Cholera is easily prevented and cured, but Zimbabwe's medical and water-treatment systems have all but disappeared.

South African government spokesman Themba Maseko said Friday that in addition to deploying more military health workers at the border, South Africa, the main regional power, is sending clean water and other aid into Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe declared a national health emergency this week. Since March elections, Zimbabwe's leaders have been distracted by a political power struggle as their economy collapses, bringing down the southern African nation's health care system.