United Nations: Expressing concern over rise in cholera deaths in Zimbabwe, UN human rights experts have asked the government and the international community to do more to rebuild the country's crumbling health system.

The four independent UN experts have asked for ending cholera epidemic that has claimed more than 1,100 people and infected 20,000 there. They also asked to ensure adequate food for the hungry masses. "Zimbabwe's health system has completely collapsed it cannot control the cholera outbreak which is spreading throughout the country, with a daily increase in the death toll," the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, Anand Grover.

"New cholera cases are being reported with no medical system or staff with the capacity to contain the epidemic," he said. The Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter, warned there was just not enough food at the national or household level. "An estimated 5.5 million people may need food assistance," he said, adding that food and agricultural production have decreased drastically.

"With rising unemployment, and hyperinflation due to several years of economic instability, people have been suffering for too long in Zimbabwe; their right to adequate food has to be fulfilled now." Meanwhile, the first ever UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) airlift of critical emergency supplies to Zimbabwe has landed in Harare, the capital, bringing intravenous fluids, drip equipment, essential drugs, midwifery and obstetric kits to boost the agency's cholera response.

Source : PTI