THE introduction of the new cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the waterborne disease.
RDTs is part of a global initiative led by United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), which aims to distribute more than 1,2 million tests across 15 high-risk countries.
In a statement yesterday, Silas Gavi, a Unicef representative, highlighted the transformative impact of these tests.
“The RDTs allow us to diagnose suspected cholera cases within minutes, significantly improving the response time,” Gavi said.
“Previously, medical experts had to wait for lab results, which could take days. Now, cases can be confirmed almost immediately.”
Public health expert David Mukwena pointed out the broader benefits of the initiative.
“The deployment of RDTs is enhancing our overall healthcare system’s resilience. By equipping our frontline workers with these tests, we are not only tackling the current outbreak, but also building capacity for future health emergencies,” he said.
“The integration of RDTs into routine practice is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure in the long term.”
Senior medical officer Tinashe Chigumbura also emphasised the crucial role of rapid diagnosis in preventing the spread of cholera.
“This quick diagnosis is essential in densely populated areas where the disease can spread rapidly. The introduction of RDTs has been a game-changer for our health system,” he said.
Government last week declared the country cholera free after failing to document a case in the last 30 days.
As of June, a total of 31 705 cholera cases and 683 deaths were reported from 63 districts across the 10 provinces of the country.
Of the cumulative cholera cases, approximately 31% are children aged below 15 years, and 14% are children under five years.