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December 04, 2008
Zimbabwe National Emergency Fueled by Water Bourne Cholera
Zimbabwe has declared a national emergency do to a cholera outbreak that has killed more than 560 people, fueled by the complete collapse of the potable water system.
Residents have been forced to drink from contaminated wells and streams, to survive, resulting in the epidemic, and thus the government is seeking international help.
"Our central hospitals are literally not functioning. Our staff is de-motivated and we need your support to ensure that they start coming to work and our health system is revived," Health Minister David Parirenyatwa was quoted by the state-run Herald newspaper as saying in an appeal to donors.
"The emergency appeal will help us reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the current socio-economic environment by December, 2009," Parirenyatwa said.
With cholera patients crossing their borders, neighboring countries, like South Africa have said they would help.
"We are in touch with our partners to study the conditions of a European response," French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said in a statement. France holds the rotating European Union presidency.
"Mugabe's failed state is no longer willing or capable of protecting its people," said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a statement.
"The international community's differences with Mugabe will not prevent us doing so – we are increasing our development aid, and calling on others to follow suit," as reported by Reuters, and published by the Toronto Star.
Posted by Stephen Betheil at December 4, 2008 02:53 PM
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