On October 3, 2018, Zimbabwe was dealing with a serious cholera outbreak, primarily concentrated in Harare and spreading across seven provinces. By this date, there were 8,535 reported cases including 163 laboratory-confirmed cases and 50 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of about 0.6%. The outbreak was officially declared on September 6, 2018, and mostly affected high-density suburbs like Glen View and Budiriro in Harare, where contaminated water sources such as wells and boreholes were identified as the main source due to compromised sewage systems and poor infrastructure. The outbreak primarily affected people aged between 5 and 35, with an equal spread between males and females. The strain responsible was Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa, known to be multi-drug resistant, though oral rehydration therapy remained effective, with antibiotics reserved for more severe cases. The situation was worsened by a failing water supply system and increasing urban population pressure. In response, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and other partners launched a mass oral cholera vaccination campaign targeting over 2.7 million people in the affected regions. Numerous cholera treatment centers were set up to provide patient care, and health workers distributed hygiene kits including soap and water treatment chemicals. Public health education was intensified, emphasizing safe water practices and early treatment.

Community engagement through volunteers, school programs, and local leaders helped raise awareness and promote preventive behaviors. Multisectoral coordination ensured rapid mobilization of resources and implementation of water sanitation improvements, including chlorination of water points and repair of damaged infrastructure. Though the outbreak was gradually brought under control with a decreasing number of cases after early October, continued vigilance was needed, especially due to the rainy season which could exacerbate the spread. This outbreak highlighted the urgent need for sustainable improvements in urban water and sanitation infrastructure to mitigate future cholera epidemics in Zimbabwe. The coordinated response efforts, including vaccination, treatment, water and sanitation interventions, and community education, played a crucial role in controlling the epidemic and saving lives during this challenging public health crisis.