By Christopher Makaza

Glenwood Park residents near Robert Mugabe International Airport and some parts of Epworth were yesterday delighted to receive oral vaccine protecting them from bacteria causing cholera.

Thousands of residents in high density suburbs like Glenview, Budiriro, Glen norah, Mbare, Chitungwiza and some parts of Epworth have since been vaccinated.

President Mnangagwa and other cabinet ministers have since received the oral vaccinations against cholera. Cabinet has led by example in alerting the nation on the importance of such vaccinations to prevent the spread of the disease.

The oral vaccine provides protection of between three to five years. The programme, which will run between today and Sunday, will be administered to all residents above one year of age.

Cholera has so far killed more than 50 people mainly in Harare since its outbreak on September 6. Twenty-two suburbs and six provinces have reported cholera cases.

The introduction of a cholera vaccine reinforces other efforts to reduce the impact of this waterborne diarrheal disease. More than 5 000 households have been equipped with hygiene kits which include water treatment tablets, a bar of soap, and education materials on how to treat and store water safely, along with information on improving personal and household hygiene.

In addition, more than 100,000 people have been reached with messaging on cholera prevention and management, according to the latest UNICEF situation report.