Bonn. The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe is spreading on a daily basis. According to recent statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 65,000 people have fallen sick since the summer of last year. The body count has risen to around 3,300 deaths - compared to a figure back in December 2008 of around 1,000. "The daily death toll in Zimbabwe continues almost unnoticed by the rest of the world", says Peter Hinn, Welthungerhilfe's Project Coordinator in Harare.

In addition to aid already provided, Welthungerhilfe is setting up new treatment centres in which around 135,000 people suffering from diarrhoea-related illness can receive check-ups. In cases of mild illness, they will be treated immediately on site. Patients receive a water solution consisting of glucose and salt, amongst other properties. More serious cases will be immediately transferred to the nearest cholera centre. In collaboration with a British partner organisation specialising in the health sector, these new treatment centres will be set up primarily in Harare and Zimbabwe's northern provinces where the epidemic has spread most severely.

Welthungerhilfe's mobile Water Emergency Team continues to supply areas affected by cholera with clean water as well as carrying out extensive awareness campaigns.

Welthungerhilfe has been active in Zimbabwe since 1980 and has initiated projects to the sum of almost 40 million euros. Seven projects were carried out in 2008 with a volume of 16 million euros. The focus of these projects was water supplies in rural areas and agricultural assistance.

For further information see www.welthungerhilfe.de