The number of lives lost to cholera has risen steadily since the onset of the epidemic late last year and now surpasses 3,000. In addition, nearly 60,000 cases have been reported. This is the worst epidemic to hit the country in 14 years and could not have struck at a worse time, considering the hardships and challenges that Zimbabwe is already facing.

This makeshift cholera treatment unit is in Nyamupamira, a village in Makonde district in Mashonaland West province, 180 kms from Harare. It is one of nine units set up by government health authorities and supported by the ICRC. The units were established to bring medical assistance closer to rural communities since they cannot afford to travel to health facilities. The closest health clinic to Nyamupamira is 30 kms away.