According to the UN Children’s fund, the cases of cholera in Zimbabwe could possibly climb up to 60,000. Another 2,700 people could die from cholera.
Zimbabwe has been dragged into another crisis. Currently, Zimbabwe is still in a political and economic crisis. The politic crisis stemmed from violence over allegations and suspicions that current Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe had rigged the elections and intimidated the voters. Overall, it very much looked to be true as supporters and members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were hunted down and slaughtered by members and supporters of the Zanu-PF.
It had caused MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai to drop out of the runoff election. Tsvangirai had won the election but did not get the percentage needed to avoid a runoff. So far, a power sharing deal has been reached. However, neither Tsvangirai nor Mugabe has come to an agreement.
On an economic scale, Zimbabwe is plagued with hyperinflation. It has the highest inflation rate in the world. Plus, the poorest billionaires are in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s notes are virtually worthless.
Now, Zimbabwe has to deal with an outbreak of cholera which has claimed the lives of over 500 people. Many have illegally crossed into neighboring African countries.
According to UNICEF, deaths could reach to at least 3,000. But it warns that the cases could climb up to
60,000. As a result of the outbreak, Mugabe has been forced to call a national
state of emergency.
South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu has already called for Mugabe to step down from government. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that Mugabe’s administration is unfit and incapable to handle the outbreak or to protect Zimbabwe’s people.
Recently, the United States has given
$600K in assistance to Zimbabwe to buy medical supplies and to pay medical staff. Still, it is unknown how Zimbabwe’s government will spend the money.
Also, there is still the
anthrax outbreak that needs dealing with as well. This could turn out to be another international problem that US President-Elect Barack Obama must face once he assumes office of US President on January 20, 2009.
