The United Nations (UN) World Health Organisation (WHO) reported yesterday that the death toll from Zimbabwe's worst ever cholera epidemic had risen to over 3 000, with more than 57 000 cases recorded.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) meanwhile announced that about 500 000 Zimbabweans would benefit from its "Safety Net" programme, supporting school-based feeding schemes, people affected by HIV/Aids, and mobile and vulnerable populations.

The WFP's cholera response had started in certain provinces, reaching 12 600 patients and staff to date.

Cholera was a diarrhoeal disease resulting from an infection of the intestine. This may lead to the loss of large amounts of fluids and resulting dehydration. Without proper treatment, death could occur within hours. People who were malnourished or already had intestinal parasites, could be at especially high risk of death.