Harare-The African Development Bank (AfDB) has extended a US$1 million grant to the Zimbabwean government to support efforts to control and contain the 2018 cholera outbreak.

The agreement for the emergency assistance grant was signed on Monday in Harare, with Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube signing on behalf of the Zimbabwean government.

Mr Damoni Kitabire country manager for AfDB said the grant will be distributed through the World Health Organisation.

“In our view this is  a crisis worth fighting with all available means and we demonstrate that with this grant of US$1 million to be immediately disbursed through the World Health Organisation to abate and control further spread of the disease” Kitabire said

He said the financial support was there to complement Zimbabwean Government’s efforts to avert national and regional catastrophe.

AfDB has always responded positively to member countries’ requests and Zimbabwe Country Manager for the bank, Mr Kitabire said containing cholera beyond the 17 districts that have been affected so far is vital.

The waterborne disease has claimed more than 59 lives in 17 districts

The US$1 million grant will be administered over a period of one year by WHO, whose country representative, Dr Gasasira commended the Zimbabwean government for coming up with a clear strategy under the health cluster cholera response plan to avert future outbreaks.

During the 2008 to 2009 cholera outbreak, AfDB contributed US$1 million to contain and eradicate the medieval disease.

The government of Zimbabwe extended its gratitude to the AfDB for its continued support which will compliment efforts by the government.

Minister Ncube also revealed that contributions towards the cholera response plan now amounts to more than $13,5 million raised from development partners, companies in the private sector and civil society organisations, among others.

The assistance from ADB will go towards the procurement of medical supplies as well as improved case management which will help in alleviating further spread of infection.