WORLD> Africa
WHO sets Zimbabwe cholera death toll at 366
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-26 10:57

GENEVA -- More than 50 cholera deaths have been reported in Zimbabwe in the past day, bringing the toll to 366 since August, the United Nations said Tuesday.

A Zimbabwean riot policeman stands in front of doctors and nurses who are demonstrating over the deteriorating health system, outside Parirenyatwa group of hospitals in Harare November 18, 2008, promising to stay away from work until a recent pandemic of cholera is controlled. They also requested that the government review their salaries. [Agencies]

The U.N. humanitarian coordination office in Geneva said 8,887 cases have now been recorded and the disease has spread to more than half of the country.

The World Health Organization says it fears cholera could spread further and has sent medicine and rehydration salts to the country.

Most cases were reported in the capital, Harare, but the U.N. said it has received reports of suspected cases in neighboring Botswana and South Africa.

Cholera is spread by contaminated food and water. The lack of clean water and poorly maintained sewage systems in Zimbabwe have allowed the waterborne intestinal disease to thrive.

And as the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe deepens, most hospitals have been forced to close their doors as they can no longer afford drugs, equipment or to pay their staff.