Cholera cannot be downplayed

The story of two cholera patients leaving Naguru hospital without treatment can easily be dismissed as a quirky one.
However, given how fast the bacteria spread, this should not be taken for granted.
Waste management in the city is abysmal to say the least. Large heaps of garbage at street corners, waste flowing in drainage systems, all next to delicious looking street food is a common sight in the city.
At the backdrop of this are congested residences –many semi-permanent, where several people have one toilet between them, if at all.
Chances that there is water outside that toilet for washing hands are few. This scenario is disease waiting to happen.
The fact that the Ministry of Health has confirmed cholera in the city when the picture above is common is cause to worry.
Instead, what we have now are different people removing blame from themselves.
When it was said that the missing cholera patients left the hospital because they could not afford the medicine, the Health ministry denied charging patients for the drugs.
On one hand, residents in Kabowa, where cases of cholera have been confirmed, blame the city authority for charging high prices to collect garbage, forcing them to dispose it in unsanitary ways.
On the other hand, the city authority blames residents for constructing latrines close to the drainage channels.
These blame games will not solve anything. The fact that a disease which is avoidable has broken out in the city should be dealt with.
This might mean mass cholera vaccination, banning of street food near unsanitary areas or a good waste management plan that actually works.
It also means that for every cholera case found, patients should be treated to avoid spread of the disease. Whatever it is, let it be done fast.
Cholera has not just health implications since it kills if not well managed.
The disease is also a poor reflection on the city. Who would want to visit a city where disease is rife?

The issue: Cholera and hygiene should be taken seriously.

Our view: Waste management in the city is abysmal to say the least. Large heaps of garbage at street corners, waste flowing in drainage systems, all next to delicious looking street food is a common sight in the city. At the backdrop of this are congested residences –many semi-permanent, where several people have one toilet between them, if at all.