This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7802943.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Cholera deaths soar in Zimbabwe Cholera deaths soar in Zimbabwe
(20 minutes later)
The latest figures from the UN and Zimbabwe's health ministry reveal that two-thirds of the victims of the cholera outbreak have died this month.The latest figures from the UN and Zimbabwe's health ministry reveal that two-thirds of the victims of the cholera outbreak have died this month.
The death toll at the end of last week stood at 1,564, with 29,131 suspected cases since August, the UN said.The death toll at the end of last week stood at 1,564, with 29,131 suspected cases since August, the UN said.
Figures from the health ministry on 1 December put cholera deaths at 484.Figures from the health ministry on 1 December put cholera deaths at 484.
The UN has warned it could take six months to control the outbreak that has been fuelled by the collapse of the health, sanitation and water services.The UN has warned it could take six months to control the outbreak that has been fuelled by the collapse of the health, sanitation and water services.
No foodNo food
According to the World Health Organization, cases have been reported in all 10 of Zimbabwe's provinces.According to the World Health Organization, cases have been reported in all 10 of Zimbabwe's provinces.
CHOLERA FIGURES SINCE AUGUST 25 DecemberDeaths: 1,564Cases: 29,1311 December Deaths: 484 Cases: 11, 735 Cases in December 68%CHOLERA FIGURES SINCE AUGUST 25 DecemberDeaths: 1,564Cases: 29,1311 December Deaths: 484 Cases: 11, 735 Cases in December 68%
"The overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has risen to 5.7% - far above the 1% which is normal in large outbreaks - and in some rural areas it has reached as high as 50%," the WHO said in a statement."The overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has risen to 5.7% - far above the 1% which is normal in large outbreaks - and in some rural areas it has reached as high as 50%," the WHO said in a statement.
Last Tuesday, Unicef put the number of cholera death at 1,174. Last Tuesday, Unicef put the number of cholera deaths at 1,174.
Aid agencies say so many clinics and hospitals have closed that large sections of the population have no access to medical care.Aid agencies say so many clinics and hospitals have closed that large sections of the population have no access to medical care.
The suburb of Budiriro in Harare's capital, has been worst hit by the outbreak, followed by Beitbridge on the border with South Africa.The suburb of Budiriro in Harare's capital, has been worst hit by the outbreak, followed by Beitbridge on the border with South Africa.
South Africa has recorded 1,279 cases and 12 deaths - the bulk of these in the border region, the WHO says.South Africa has recorded 1,279 cases and 12 deaths - the bulk of these in the border region, the WHO says.
Over the weekend, Save the Children said some five million people in Zimbabwe - or about 50% of the country's population - were now in need of food aid.Over the weekend, Save the Children said some five million people in Zimbabwe - or about 50% of the country's population - were now in need of food aid.
President Robert Mugabe has been facing intensified criticism over the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.President Robert Mugabe has been facing intensified criticism over the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.
He signed a power-sharing deal with his rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, in September, intended to rescue the collapsing economy but progress has since stalled over who should control key ministries.He signed a power-sharing deal with his rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, in September, intended to rescue the collapsing economy but progress has since stalled over who should control key ministries.
Mr Tsvangirai has threatened to pull out of power-sharing talks unless abductions of his supporters stop.Mr Tsvangirai has threatened to pull out of power-sharing talks unless abductions of his supporters stop.
According to his Movement for Democratic Change, about 40 human rights activists and opposition supporters have been abducted in the past two months.According to his Movement for Democratic Change, about 40 human rights activists and opposition supporters have been abducted in the past two months.
Meanwhile, the US envoy to Africa, Jendayi Frazer, has warned that last week's military coup in Guinea should serve as a warning of what could happen in Zimbabwe, if Mr Mugabe is allowed to cling to power and die in office.Meanwhile, the US envoy to Africa, Jendayi Frazer, has warned that last week's military coup in Guinea should serve as a warning of what could happen in Zimbabwe, if Mr Mugabe is allowed to cling to power and die in office.