... Zimbabwe: worse!

As predicted, Zimbabwe’s cholera crisis is worsening. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 60,000 people in Zimbabwe could be infected with cholera if the epidemic is left unchecked. And it seems that that is to be the case.

According to U.N. reports, cholera has already killed 600 people in Zimbabwe this month alone and infected another 14,000 people. These figures are based on the number of people who have been seen at hospitals and health centers. However, with Zimbabwe’s national health infrastructure crumbling -- and methods for reporting health statistics deteriorating quickly -- the WHO says the death toll is likely to be much higher.

“Half of Zimbabwe’s 12 million people could be at risk,” a U.N. representative said. That would mean a death toll of “biblical” proportions.

Cholera is an intestinal infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. It is highly contagious and can lead to severe dehydration and death. The International Red Cross said Tuesday it was ramping up its response to the outbreak by sending doctors specializing in infectious diseases and a medical logistician specializing in health, sanitation and hygiene have arrived in the country. Last week, the agency delivered 13 tons of medical supplies to Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare.

Please join us in prayer for those presently in Zimbabwe -- both residents as well as missionaries and aid workers -- whose lives are in danger!