The severity of the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and the collapse of the country’s health system go much further than a raging cholera epidemic and the situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate, according to international medical charity Medécins Sans Frontières (MSF).
"From what we see each day it couldn't be clearer - this is a massive medical emergency, spiraling out of control," according to Manuel Lopez, head of the MSF Mission in Zimbabwe.
In a paper released on 17 February, titled 'Beyond Cholera, Zimbabwe's Worsening Crisis,' MSF has warned that the cholera outbreak is "is just one manifestation of the disastrous state of Zimbabwe's health system and its collapsed infrastructure." Medical staff, supplies and equipment were becoming more scarce everyday and health facilities had to turn away an increasing number of people.
Many health facilities have closed or are simply not functioning and those that are operational demand exorbitant fees in foreign currency, the charity noted. Since the beginning of the current outbreak in October 2008, MSF has treated almost 45,000 patients - 75 percent of total cases and the "the crisis is far from over," the paper said.
For the full MSF report click here: Beyond Cholera, Zimbabwe's Worsening Crisis.
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"From what we see each day it couldn't be clearer - this is a massive medical emergency, spiraling out of control," according to Manuel Lopez, head of the MSF Mission in Zimbabwe.
In a paper released on 17 February, titled 'Beyond Cholera, Zimbabwe's Worsening Crisis,' MSF has warned that the cholera outbreak is "is just one manifestation of the disastrous state of Zimbabwe's health system and its collapsed infrastructure." Medical staff, supplies and equipment were becoming more scarce everyday and health facilities had to turn away an increasing number of people.
Many health facilities have closed or are simply not functioning and those that are operational demand exorbitant fees in foreign currency, the charity noted. Since the beginning of the current outbreak in October 2008, MSF has treated almost 45,000 patients - 75 percent of total cases and the "the crisis is far from over," the paper said.
For the full MSF report click here: Beyond Cholera, Zimbabwe's Worsening Crisis.
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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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