Zimbabwe is experiencing a cholera crisis. While the country has faced epidemics in the past, the 2018 crisis is made worse by the fact the disease has proven unresponsive to drugs typically used in its treatment. Cholera, a bacterial infection usually spread in water, can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration and death. 

The death toll increased to 30 over the weekend. 

Public gatherings in the capital city of Harare were banned to prevent further spread of the disease, DW.com reports. About 2 million people reside in Harare, which has suffered a reported 3,000 cholera cases. 

"Although I cannot say we have contained the disease as of yet, we are moving swiftly in all provinces of the country," said Health Minister Obadiah Moyo.

According to the BBC, the nation has launched a crowdfunding campaign, spearheaded by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, who posted the mobile account for donations to Twitter.

The fundraising effort was immediately met with criticism, however. Government officials have been accused of misusing public money, including allegedly purchasing new vehicles for cabinet members.

The World Health Organization (WHO), a nongovermental organization (NGO), has offered to expand its services to assist the country. "WHO is providing cholera kits which contain oral rehydration solution, intravenous fluids and antibiotics to cholera treatment centers," read a statement from the organization.

Newly re-elected Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa tweeted his "thoughts and prayers" to all residents suffering from heartbreak due to the outbreak and urged everyone to take extra care while they investigate the epidemic. 

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