A family learns to protect itself from cholera
Despite her religious beliefs, Marian became convinced of the need to change the family’s behavior even if it meant going against long-held social norms.
HARARE, Zimbabwe, 27 February 2019 – Marian Mutandwa (60) is one of seven wives in her household responsible for more than 48 children. She sits in the single room that is her home, talking to me as some of her grandchildren run around with bare feet. The building’s thatched roof has holes, unrepaired due to lack of funds. Her home has no electricity. Many of the children in her care do not go to school because the termly fee of 15 Bond (approximately US$5-6) is prohibitive.
Marian lives in rural Buhera, in southeastern Zimbabwe: a 5-hour drive from the capital Harare. The area was affected by cholera in September 2018 and Marian tells me that her mother was among those who succumbed to the disease. The family home has three pit latrines, all without roofs. During the rainy season torrential downpours can cause he latrines to overflow and contaminate nearby drinking water sources.
Changing social norms
Marian explains that in line with the family’s religious beliefs none of them have ever visited a hospital. To treat illness, “We drink and bathe with holy water, collected from rivers or open wells, blessed by the leader of the church,” said Marian. However, when the cholera outbreak occurred this practice put the family at significant risk. The young children in the family were presenting with symptoms of cholera.
“We felt we would die if we had not accepted the health care”
Marian learned about cholera prevention and treatment from health volunteers with the non-governmental organization (NGO), Mercy Corp, a UNICEF implementing partner.
Working with religious organisations, Mercy Corp provided sanitation and hygiene education training to the community, mobilizing and referring those affected by the disease, for medical treatment in nearby health facilities.
Despite her religious beliefs, Marian became convinced of the need to change the family’s behavior even if it meant going against long-held social norms. “We felt we would die if we had not accepted the health care,” said Marian.
Practicing health-seeking behaviour
Listening to Marian’s story was eye-opening for me. The first time I learned about cholera was reading Love in the Time of Cholera, a novel written by Gabriel García Márquez. However, being in Zimbabwe, brought home to me just how devastating this disease can be, but also that it is preventable and can be treated, especially when diagnosed early.
Having seen the effects of cholera at first-hand and received key information on safe hygiene and sanitation, Marian’s family now practices safe hygiene and good sanitation. Water is no longer used straight from the river or well but is first boiled and stored in a covered container. Her family members always wash their hands after using the toilet, and before eating. The family also knows that it is important to seek advice and information from the local health facility whenever they feel sick.
I am glad that with the help of UNICEF and its partners, Marian’s family now knows how to protect itself from cholera. It is my hope that by practicing sanitation and hygiene preventive measures, families like hers will never again have to lose relatives to this preventable disease.
