Fact Check: Did Cholera patients get emergency treatment under a tree?

Claim: A picture of several people receiving Cholera treatment under a tree in the Mapanza area of Chiredzi in southeastern Zimbabwe went viral on social media platforms, sparking a furious debate on whether it was fake, or a true picture of a rapid response team that was helping patients before emergency treatment tents had been set up.

Is this picture true or false?

Verdict: True

Global Context: In cases of emergency, health workers offer emergency treatment at any convenient space to save lives, alleviate pain and stabilise patients before moving them to ideal treatment centres.

What about the Chiredzi story?

A public statement by Doctor Aspect Maunganidze, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, confirmed the Chiredzi story and picture was true: “Pictures of patients receiving Intravenous fluids (IV fluids) while lying on the ground at Mapanza, which had been posted on social media yesterday are true and they were taken as the rapid response teams were setting up Cholera treatment tents in Mapanza, Chiredzi”.

In explaining what happens when rapid response teams are deployed to a medical emergency site, Maunganidze said they go prepared with IV fluids, antibiotics and other sundries and medicines.

Only critical patients in need of the intensive care unit will then be moved into the hospitals.

What is the current Cholera situation in the country?

To date Zimbabwe has recorded 2,136 confirmed cases and 71 confirmed deaths. According to the latest situation report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (14 January 2024) there have been 264 new suspected cholera cases.

Breakdown of active cases

Chiredzi (45), Chipinge (33), Makonde (18), Zvimba (18), Chitungwiza City (15), Glenview (14), Mutare (13), Seke (11), Mberengwa (11), BRIDH (9), Bikita (9), Buhera (6), Bindura (6), Mazowe (5), Gutu (5), Centenary (5), Budiriro (5), Zvishavane (5), Chimanimani (4), Gokwe North (4), Chivi (4), Chikomba (3), Highfield (3), UMP (2), Rutsanana (2), Hwange (2), Mt Darwin (2), Hurungwe (1), Kariba (1), Mudzi (1), Sanyati (1) and Gwanda (1).