:{UA#46: UNPLANNED CHRISTMAS}:
is raising money for the British Red Cross
Zimbabwe & Region Cholera Appeal
www.redcross.org.uk

The British Red Cross launched an appeal on 11 December to help thousands of people affected by cholera and food shortages in Zimbabwe and the surrounding region. A severe cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has already claimed more than 700 lives and affected more than 15,000 people. However, the real numbers are likely to be much higher.

The crisis has also affected neighbouring South Africa, where hundreds of Zimbabweans and locals have been treated for cholera. Thousands of cases have also been identified in Angola and Mozambique. The situation is critical, particularly in Zimbabwe, which faces a drastic shortage of health professionals. Hospitals are without necessary equipment and medication, and water and sanitation systems are at breaking point.