3,000 dead from cholera in Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe is trying to hide the scale of the deadly epidemic sweeping the country. But its impact can today be revealed

A senior official in the health ministry told The Independent yesterday that more than 3,000 people have died from the water-borne disease in the past two weeks, 10 times the widely-reported death toll of just over 300. "But even this higher figure is still an understatement because very few bother to register the deaths of their relatives these days," said the official, who requested anonymity. Full Story »

Posted by Chris Finnie
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Subjects: World, U.S.
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Posted by: Posted by Chris Finnie - Nov 26, 2008 - 8:11 AM PST
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Edited by: Chris Finnie - Nov 26, 2008 - 8:11 AM PST

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Chris Finnie
4.4
by Chris Finnie - Nov. 26, 2008

Because almost all sources in Zimbabwe are anonymous, it's always hard to tell how well-sourced they are. But because I read the international press and watch BBC news, I've heard this too many times to doubt it. Cholera victims now streaming into South Africa also confirm it. This is an international disgrace, and the coverage in the U.S. is too. Kudos to the international media for continuing to cover it.

That one man is allowed to visit this much misery on this many people to protect his own power should be considered genocide by any rational society.

See Full Review » (12 answers)
Patricia L'Herrou
4.0
by Patricia L'Herrou - Nov. 26, 2008

many facts and figures with personal stories included in this story which is so sad and outrageous: humanity (disease, starvation, despair) versus power struggle is a war we see so often in these times. this epidemic may explain the denial of visas for prominent persons recently in zimbabwe. 'delay is not an option" may not mean anything here tho. the story doesn't include details on why and how conditions have become so awful, nor much about the talks in johannesburg which haven't seen much if any result.

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Glenn LaBauve
4.2
by Glenn LaBauve - Nov. 26, 2008

A difficult story to tell or read, but it needs to be told and read.

This type of story is very hard on the reporter that witnesses the hell these poor souls must endure. To know that you have the ability to leave and the victims are having to chose between their method of execution, stay in the refuge camp and die from health problems or return to the countryside and be hacked to death.

See Full Review » (13 answers)
George Blahusiak
2.6
by George Blahusiak - Nov. 26, 2008

Good story but concentrates on Zimbabwe while another story in this same news digest mentions lack of sewers in Sadr City. No details on population concentration or what happened to water system.

See Full Review » (6 answers)
Kenneth Sibbett
4.8
by Kenneth Sibbett - Nov. 27, 2008

It's all you need to know.

can't see how America can invade Iraq, with no reason except for oil, and can't put boots on the ground to force Mugabe and his thugs from power.One day, it's all going to come around, but not in our lifetime.

See Full Review » (7 answers)

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