In Mt Darwin, Zimbabwe, the streets came to life with more than just the usual daily buzz. A mobile roadshow, led by the Ministry of Health and Childcare with support from Save the Children, brought entertainment and education on Cholera prevention.
From a distance, the voice of a Health Promotion Officer could be heard loudly, delivering life-saving information about Cholera prevention. Mounted on a brightly branded truck, the team travelled from one community to the next, turning every stop into a blend of education and entertainment.
“We have come with an important message: Cholera kills, but it is also preventable,” the Health Promotion Officer said through a microphone. “Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water. Always drink safe, treated water. Practice good hygiene.”
In the mining settlements, residents gathered around the mobile van, dancing, engaging, and most importantly, listening.
“We appreciate the Ministry of Health for coming to educate us,” said one woman from the mining settlement. “They have helped us understand how we can protect our families from Cholera through doing simple things like washing our hands, drinking clean water and keeping our surroundings clean.”
She added, “This is a highly populated area, and without good hygiene, diseases like Cholera spread quickly. These campaigns remind us how important it is to stay vigilant.”
The awareness campaign reached over 2705 people (1,440 male 1,265 female) in the Mt Darwin, Shamva and Rushinga districts—areas that have faced recurring Cholera outbreaks.
As the mobile truck rolled on to the next village, its speakers continued to broadcast messages of prevention —it left an informed community. In March 2025, a recurring Cholera outbreak hit Mashonaland Central, with 340 cases reported across six districts, including Mount Darwin. The outbreak has been linked to water contamination caused by illegal mining activities.
