Communicable diseases remain among the serious public health threats in developing urban centres and Harare is no exception.
Outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and dysentery continue to claim lives despite being largely preventable.
When discussions arise about hygiene, clean water, sanitation and waste management, are sometimes dismissed as routine civic matters. In reality, they are matters of life and death.
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated water and food.
Typhoid fever results from infection with Salmonella Typhi and is similarly transmitted through unsafe water and poor food handling.
Dysentery, whether bacterial or amoebic, is closely associated with inadequate sanitation and polluted water sources.
The common denominator among these illnesses is poor environmental health conditions.
Where sewer systems collapse, refuse goes uncollected, and access to safe water is inconsistent, disease inevitably follows.
Every reported case and mortality statistic represents a human life; a child, a parent, a worker whose suffering could have been prevented through basic public health safeguards.
When outbreaks recur in Harare, serious questions arise about governance, accountability and service delivery.
The obligation to provide clean water, maintain sewer infrastructure and ensure efficient waste management rests primarily with the Harare City Council.
Access to safe water and sanitation is not a privilege; it is a fundamental public service and a core component of human dignity.
The deterioration of ageing sewer infrastructure and inconsistent refuse collection heighten the risk of epidemics.
In several suburbs, uncollected waste accumulates for extended periods, attracting flies and rodents and contaminating the environment.
During the rainy season, blocked drainage systems and burst sewer pipes allow contaminated water to mix with domestic supplies.
Under such conditions, outbreaks are not accidents, but they are predictable consequences of systemic failure.
It is important to acknowledge initiatives that seek to mitigate the crisis.
Private companies such as Geopomona have intervened in refuse collection in certain areas, offering temporary relief.
While such efforts are commendable, they cannot replace a structured, accountable and fully functional municipal system.
Sustainable public health protection requires coordinated direction, adequate investment and consistent service delivery driven by public institutions.
Beyond institutional responsibility, citizens also play a critical role in disease prevention.
I recently experienced the severity of typhoid firsthand. From 8 to 12 February, I endured severe diarrhoea, dehydration and profound weakness before medical tests confirmed the diagnosis.
It was a distressing ordeal that underscored how easily one can be exposed — through contaminated food, unsafe water or environmental contact.
Timely medical attention ensured my recovery, but not all are as fortunate.
Typhoid is far from a minor illness. It can cause prolonged fever, abdominal pain, dehydration and life-threatening complications if untreated.
Cholera can lead to rapid fluid loss and death within hours without urgent rehydration.
Dysentery can cause severe intestinal inflammation and dangerous dehydration, particularly in children and the elderly.
Vulnerable populations suffer most when healthcare access is limited or when symptoms are underestimated.
Preventive measures remain the most effective defence.
Drinking water should be boiled or treated where safety is uncertain. Food must be thoroughly cooked and stored hygienically.
Fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed before consumption.
Regular hand-washing with soap — especially before meals and after using the toilet- significantly reduces transmission.
Communities must promptly report burst sewer pipes, water leaks, and refuse accumulation to relevant authorities.
However, individual vigilance cannot compensate for institutional shortcomings.
The Harare City Council must urgently prioritize investment in water purification systems, sewer rehabilitation and efficient waste management.
Preventive infrastructure is far less costly than responding to full-scale outbreaks, both financially and in human lives.
Transparent planning, timely maintenance and strong council’s leadership are indispensable.
Public health is a shared responsibility, but Harare City Council’s leadership must set the tone.
Clean water, safe sanitation and environmental hygiene are the first line of defence against communicable diseases.
Protecting citizens from preventable illness is not merely an administrative obligation but a moral obligation.
Harare’s residents deserve a city where disease outbreaks are rare exceptions, not recurring headlines. With stronger municipal accountability, responsible citizenship, and decisive Harare City Council’s leadership, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery can be controlled and ultimately eliminated.
The science is clear. The solutions are known. What remains is bold and accountable action because lives depend on it.
*Clever Marisa (Prof) is a social scientist and public health practitioner. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated institution or organisation