AWA...
Posted on 12/12/2008 5:09:20 AM PST by Clive
Zanu-PF leader Robert Mugabe's government backpedalled Friday on his claim that Zimbabwe had defeated cholera, after the remarks sparked an international outcry, including comparisons with Hitler.
In a nationally broadcast speech, Mugabe claimed on Thursday that "there is no cholera", even as the United Nations announced the death toll was nearing 800.
"I am happy to say our doctors have been assisted by others, and WHO [the World Health Organisation] and they have now arrested cholera," Mugabe said.
His spokesperson, George Charamba, said in the state newspaper the Herald that the president had spoken with "sarcasm", and accused Western media of distorting his speech.
The WHO said on Friday that Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic is not under control and the death toll has risen to 792.
"I don't think that the cholera outbreak is under control as of now," WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib said.
The spokesperson said the number of reported deaths had risen to 792 from 783 on Thursday with 16 700 cases reported.
Mugabe's remarks drew swift condemnation from around the world, with one South African Anglican bishop likening him to Hitler.
"Mugabe must be viewed as the 21st-century Hitler because of the deaths and suffering of Zimbabweans under his rule," Bishop Joe Seoka said in the Times, calling for the 84-year-old to face war-crimes charges.
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What’s so sad about this is that Cholera is very preventable. There is technology to ensure most urban areas can get treated water and ways for rural and nomadic people to create clean drinking water. It’s a matter of getting out of the way and letting people help each other.
If people are healthy, you can’t oppress them as easily...
Prayers for the people of Zimbabwe..........I keep expecting to see Bagdad Bob in Zimbabwe on TV declaring cholera has been defeated...............
Bump.
Where are all those people who were condemning Ian Smith and his oppressive government?
Where’s the South African government—which could remove Mugabe with a flick of its little finger?
AWA...
There is, however, a generous contamination of water sources by broken sewage pipes. That they've got plenty of.
Learned helplessness. They’re used to everyone else doing everything for them.
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