Assessing the vulnerability of districts to waterborne diseases in Harare, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Socio-economic, climatic, and environmental factors can trigger the outbreak of waterborne diseases. Communities with limited access to water and sanitation services are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases. The interactions of factors influencing waterborne diseases are too complex and vary spatially. Understanding the spatial vulnerability related to the outbreak of waterborne diseases is critical to inform adequate response strategies. Yet, there is limited information regarding the spatial vulnerability and waterborne diseases in Harare. The study was conducted to assess the vulnerability of districts to the outbreak of waterborne diseases. A geospatial modelling framework consisting of a statistical Z-score, geographical weighted regression, and multi-scale geographical weighted regression was constructed and used to determine the vulnerability of districts to waterborne diseases. The study concluded that the top three vulnerable districts to waterborne diseases in Harare are the West South West, the South, and the West. These districts recorded highest cases of waterborne diseases. The differences in vulnerabilities of districts were linked to the differences in socio-economic, climatic, and environmental factors. To reduce the risk of waterborne diseases in Harare, there is a need to improve the provision of water supply and sanitation services and build the capacity of residents to reduce their vulnerability to waterborne diseases.