38 die of cholera in northern Mozambique province

Jan 16, 2009, 6:22 GMT

   Johannesburg - At least 38 people died in a cholera outbreak in the northern Mozambique province of Nampula, SAPA news agency quoted a state-controlled newspaper as saying Friday.

    The outbreak began in late December and 210 people have been diagnosed with the disease in that province, the Maputo-based Daily Noticias said. Poor hygienic conditions were cited as the major cause of the disease.

   'Cholera is endemic in Mozambique particularly during the rain season. Cases of the diseases have also been reported in the capital Maputo where currently more than 300 people are receiving treatment of the diseases,' the newspaper report said.

It also said the government had signed an agreement aimed at helping neighbouring Zimbabwe revive its health sector, according to Health Minister Ivo Garrido.

   The agreement is intended to boost cooperation between the two countries in fighting transmittable diseases like HIV/AIDS and cholera.

   Both African countries have experienced collapsing health sectors and shortages of qualified personnel willing to work in state-run hospitals and clinics.