2009 Cholera Crisis in Zimbabwe

When a severe cholera outbreak gripped Zimbabwe in late 2008, Oxfam affiliates responded with an effort that eventually reached 2.2 million people.

The cholera crisis that swept across Zimbabwe through the first half of 2009 is now under control. One of the world’s largest recorded outbreaks, it sickened 98,592 people and left 4,288 dead before ending in July. In a widespread response, Oxfam reached more than two million people with emergency assistance and a public health education campaign.

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Oxfam Impact April 2009
Tackling a deadly cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe with clean water—and song
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These policy notes describe key issues for humanitarian organizations in the twenty-first century and provide recommendations derived from our experience working in the field as well as in the policy arena.
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For Emile Hirsch, Zimbabwe is a place of challenges—and hope

For Emile Hirsch, Zimbabwe is a place of challenges—and hope

In April, the actor saw firsthand the devastating consequences of the cholera outbreak that gripped the country as its water and sewer systems collapsed.

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A journey to Zimbabwe with Emile Hirsch

A journey to Zimbabwe with Emile Hirsch

As the fight against cholera continues in Zimbabwe, a public health worker documents her travels alongside the actor and Oxfam Ambassador.

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In Mudzi, shortages of fuel and medicine compound challenges of tackling cholera epidemic

In Mudzi, shortages of fuel and medicine compound challenges of tackling cholera epidemic

Numerous challenges confront aid workers as they race to stem the spread of cholera in Zimbabwe.

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Zimbabwe's new prime minister says humanitarian crisis is a top priority

Zimbabwe's new prime minister says humanitarian crisis is a top priority

Oxfam's Caroline Gluck attended the swearing-in ceremony of Zimbabwe's new prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai on February 11.

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In grip of Cholera, Zimbabwe marshalls messengers to spread the word on hygiene

In grip of Cholera, Zimbabwe marshalls messengers to spread the word on hygiene

Zimbabwe launches a nationwide blitz to control, cure, and eliminate the disease.

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Tackling cholera: Oxfam and its partner move fast to provide clean water in Zimbabwe

Tackling cholera: Oxfam and its partner move fast to provide clean water in Zimbabwe

Together with a local organization, Oxfam is working to bring clean water to Mudzi and to plan for preventive measures to limit cholera's spread.

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Zimbabwe: hopes for a better 2009

Zimbabwe: hopes for a better 2009

A new year's celebration hardly masks the troubles countless people face in a country crippled by hyperinflation and a cholera outbreak.

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