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.

Cholera Crowd Fund. Please support it through your valuable donations. Thank you. Hon Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Zimbabwe https://t.co/MHDmf2bvXn

— Prof. Mthuli Ncube (@MthuliNcube) September 13, 2018

Zimbabwe launched a crowdfunding campaign to help deal with its cholera outbreak. The death toll rose to 30 this weekend pic.twitter.com/e48tA8t1ID

— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) September 17, 2018

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.

If crowdfunding for cholera outbreak by the central govt @MthuliNcube while they spend millions $$ on luxury cars & private jets doesn't scare or freak you out then NOTHING will. Irresponsible, insensitive and indefensible act.

— Munya Dimairo (@mdimairo) September 14, 2018

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.

.@WHO is scaling up response to fast-moving cholera outbreak in Harare the capital of #Zimbabwe with a population of more than 2 million. https://t.co/bl6ID4jWF5
pic.twitter.com/MJCgI7utYg

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) September 13, 2018

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.

My thoughts & prayers are with those suffering from the cholera outbreak, and the loved ones of those we have lost. In order to contain the outbreak & mobilise resources we have declared a state of emergency in Harare, and are working closely with our international partners (1/2)

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) September 12, 2018

I urge all residents of affected areas to exercise extra care with their hygiene & follow the instructions of the authorities as we seek to contain & overcome this outbreak. We are working tirelessly to control the situation and hope to communicate progress in due course (2/2)

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) September 12, 2018

Now, check these out:

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Zimbabwe's Rugby Team Had To Sleep On The Tunisian Streets Ahead Of World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe Declares State Of Emergency After Second Cholera Outbreak In A Decade

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