Statement from World Vision on H1N1 cases reported in Zimbabwe

Harare, July 14, 2009—With cases of the HINI flu virus reported in Harare last week, Christian humanitarian organization World Vision is expressing great concern that Zimbabwe's health delivery system would not have the capacity to address an H1N1 outbreak if it were to spiral out of control. While the flu outbreak in Zimbabwe is still in its infancy, Zimbabwe is still recovering from Africa's worst cholera outbreak in more than a decade, following years of underfunding and mismanagement of the health delivery system.

To prepare for a possible spread of the virus, World Vision will begin surveying and monitoring communities through existing community health structures, and providing education to local families on how to protect themselves.

“World Vision would then be able to support the health centers with trainings and reorientation of health personal, medical supplies or whatever gaps are identified,” said Alice Mazarura, World Vision Zimbabwe's health point person. The organization also plans to procure and preposition flu kits inside Zimbabwe, including 500 masks. World Vision Zimbabwe has drawn up a preparedness plan for the HINI flu virus, reported in Harare last week, and has begun disseminating information on outbreak identification and management to its staff.


World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world’s poor regardless of a person’s religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.