2010-03-12 04:21:36 - Epidemic Hazard - Zimbabwe EDIS CODE: EH-20100312-25289-ZWE
Date & Time: 2010-03-12 04:21:36 [UTC]
Area: Zimbabwe, Mashonaland East, , Epworth '!!! WARNING !!! Number of Infected person(s): 3
Damage level: Moderate (Level 2)
Not confirmed information! Description: A deadly strain of tuberculosis has reportedly hit Epworth, amid a rapidly worsening health crisis and critical shortages of food across the country. One case of the deadly multi-drug resistant TB strain has been confirmed in the high density area of Epworth and two more people in the same area are suspected to be infected. Zakaria Mwatia, from Epworth Clinic, confirmed the cases to local press, explain how the disease attacks those with already weakened immune systems. Drug resistant TB is believed to have an 80% mortality rate and has been created by TB sufferers not finishing their course of medication. In a country where a steady supply for both TB and HIV medication is often not available, many people's health is already compromised. With no system in place to ensure that people are taking their medication properly, many are simply electing to stop their drug courses because of food shortages. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued an urgent warning about impending widespread hunger, paying particular concern to people living with HIV. The group has renewed its plea for funds explaining how hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans are in need or urgent food assistance. According to the most recent figures, a conservative estimate of 2.17 million Zimbabweans are currently in need of food aid and this number is set to rise on the back of an expected failed 2010 harvest. "In some parts of the country, the food situation is as bad as many of our volunteers and staff have ever seen it," said the group's Matthew Cochrane. Cochrane continued that the Red Cross is particularly concerned about the impact of the existing and looming food crises on people living with or affected by HIV. He explained that so many Zimbabweans living with HIV have stopped taking their anti-retroviral medication, "because the drugs are too toxic without food." "Once people do this, their situation deteriorates incredibly quickly and they become susceptible to other serious illnesses," Cochrane explained. He said that although the situation is obviously critical, the international donor community has been slow to help aid groups, because of the existence of the unity government. He explained that donors seemed to be under the impression that everything in Zimbabwe was now OK, when it was clearly not. He pointed out that despite the coalition, most of the population has not felt any benefit. "People don't have access to money to buy what food is available, and most people don't have jobs," Cochrane explained. "Our message is that the world can't just forget about these people."
The name of Hazard: Multi-drug resistant TB
Species: Human
Status: Confirmed
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20:21 | 
Publicado por
NEWS
