Johannesburg Sewerage Treatment Fails Green Drop Assessment
Metro has dropped from 91% in 2011 to below 50%
Cholera
Water Corruption: Hundreds of Cases Referred for Prosecution, but No Arrests
MPs concerned that criminals are getting away with large-scale fraud and corruption over water and sanitation projects
Illegal Sewage Dumping Threatens Pre-school and Kraai River in Aberdeen
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has written to the Director of Infrastructure at the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, Mr Bennie Arendse, demanding that the Municipality take urgent action against one of its contractors who is illegally dumping untreated sewage. The sewage is being dumped in a wetland area connected to the Kraai River, […]
The post Illegal sewage dumping threatens pre-school and Kraai River in Aberdeen appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Climate Adaptation Has a New Global Plan. What the Belem Indicators Are and Why They Matter to Africa
For the first time, countries now have a shared way to understand whether the world is actually improving at adapting to climate impacts.
Advancing Justice Through Water, Housing, and Sustainability
“The City of Tshwane’s recent achievements during the last two Council meetings and today at Hammanskraal prove that caring governments can deliver spatial, social, economic and environmental justice for South Africa”, says GOOD’s Councillor Sarah Mabotsa, the Tshwane Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Spatial Planning.
The post TSHWANE DELIVERS: ADVANCING JUSTICE THROUGH WATER, HOUSING, AND SUSTAINABILITY appeared first on For Good.
SIU Finds Work Paid for but Not Done on Critical Water Infrastructure
Criminal investigations, civil litigation, lifestyle audits, and disciplinary action loom large as SIU probes dodgy water sector contracts
Southern African Countries Launch Climate-Resilient Health Initiative With WHO Support
Eight Southern African countries have embarked on a landmark effort to bolster emergency preparedness and response systems in the face of increasing climate-related health threats.
With financial support from the Pandemic Fund, and technical assistance from World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region and other partners, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are advancing their capacity to protect public health, and respond to emergencies.
The US$ 35-million, three-year programme is aimed at supporting these countries as they strengthen national and regional systems for early warning, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics and workforce development – key pillars of health emergency readiness.
While implementation activities are yet to begin on the ground, coordinated planning efforts are well under way, including the establishment of governance structures at country and regional levels. Through a dedicated technical coordination capacity at the WHO Emergency Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, WHO is putting in place systems to ensure agile implementation and project monitoring, evaluation, research and learning over the three-year project duration.
To date, all eight countries have convened multi- disciplinary National Steering Committees and have undertaken a detailed microplanning activity with key stakeholders. Furthermore, initial funds have been disbursed to countries, marking a critical early milestone in a regionally coordinated, country-driven initiative to build climate-resilient health systems.
A formal launch event is planned for next month.
“This investment represents a vital turning point for Southern Africa, a region on the frontlines of the climate and health crisis. Countries now have a unique opportunity to develop systems that are robust, responsive and resilient to emerging threats,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Southern Africa is warming at nearly twice the global average. Droughts, floods and cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe, fuelling the spread of vector- and waterborne diseases such as malaria and cholera, and placing added strain on health systems.
Five of the countries involved in the initiative – Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe – rank among the world's 50 most vulnerable nations to infectious diseases. Many also face high climate risk, compounded by structural challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited resources and high levels of cross-border migration, underlining the urgent need for coordinated preparedness across the region.
The new programme, developed under the leadership of national governments, is focused on addressing critical gaps in three priority areas:
- Early warning and disease surveillance: Strengthening real-time, cross-border detection and information-sharing systems across the One Health spectrum, including human, animal and environmental health.
- Laboratory systems: Enhancing national and regional laboratory networks, including upgrading diagnostic capacity and regional testing hubs.
- Public health and community workforce: Supporting the development of a skilled, coordinated workforce aligned with countries' Human Resources for Health strategies.
The proposal was developed as part of the Common Africa Approach under the Joint Emergency Action Plan, with WHO in the African Region, Africa Centres for Disease Control and WHO's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Proposal development was supported by the Gates Foundation.
It builds on existing primary health care and community health efforts, and is aligned with global standards, including the International Health Regulations (2005) and the One Health approach.
One of its most ambitious long-term goals is the creation of a Climate-Health Observatory, a platform to support early warning systems and evidence-based decision making by tracking climate-sensitive health risks across borders. The observatory will facilitate data-driven policymaking and foster long-term resilience in the region.
In addition, the programme will help strengthen leadership and governance by establishing a regional network of connected leadership across Ministries of Health and National Public Health Agencies, further enabling swifter and smarter coordination during responses to emerging threats.
“These efforts are essential in a region with frequent population movement, fragile health systems, and limited emergency response capacity,” said Dr Abdou Salam Gueye, WHO's Africa Regional Emergency Director. “Our role is to support countries with the expertise, tools and evidence they need to lead these efforts effectively.”
Funding is provided by the Pandemic Fund, which supports pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacity in low- and middle-income countries. The programme also contributes to building sustainable, resilient health systems that can withstand future pandemics and climate shocks.
By working together, and with strong technical support from WHO and partners, countries in Southern Africa are laying the foundation for a scalable model for climate-resilient health security – grounded in national ownership, regional solidarity and a shared commitment to protecting health and saving lives.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition.
DRC Emergency: Next 24 Hours Are Critical, Warn UN Agencies
Dead bodies lie in the streets, hospitals are overwhelmed and there has been an uptick in reports of sexual violence, rape and looting.
“Roads are blocked, ports are closed and those crossing Lake Kivu risk their lives in makeshift boats,” said Shelley Thakral, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP) – one of many UN agencies on the ground striving to provide assistance and protection wherever possible. “I spoke just moments ago to an activist In Goma and he told me, ‘We're here, we're hiding. We don't know who will come to help us.'”
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, echoed the humanitarian community's deep concerns about the spiralling violence across the resource-rich region that has uprooted some 300,000 people from camps around Goma in a matter of days.
Aid targeted
“Our colleagues in the DRC report heavy, small arms fire and mortar fire across the city and the presence of many dead bodies in the streets,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. “We have reports of rapes committed by fighters, looting of property, including of a humanitarian warehouse and humanitarian and health facilities being hit.”
The emergency has left hospitals in Goma reportedly overwhelmed by the influx of wounded people, electricity and water supplies “compromised” and internet services cut off on Monday. “Goma is still offline this morning,” Mr. Laerke told journalists in Geneva.
The development came amid urgent calls from the international community including the Security Council in New York, where ambassadors on Tuesday demanded an immediate halt to the M23 rebel offensive and called for the group to withdraw from territories it has seized.
The ambassadors reiterated their support for the UN peacekeeping force in the DR Congo, MONUSCO, and paid tribute to blue helmets who have lost their lives from South Africa, Malawi and Uruguay in recent days.
The Council also condemned the presence of “external forces” in eastern DRC – amid reports Rwandan troops are heavily involved in the offensive – and called for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and return to diplomatic talks.
Years of crisis
Before the latest escalation in violence in eastern DRC's Kivus, some 5.1 million people had already been displaced by years of insecurity in the mineral-rich region and forced to live in overcrowded camps with little food and no security.
UN agencies and partners continue to monitor the highly unstable situation which has forced WFP to temporarily pause food assistance activities in around Goma. “The airport and major access roads within the region have been cut off…Depending on the duration of violence, the supply of food into the city could be severely hampered,” said WFP's Ms. Thakral.
“This is a huge test for Congolese trapped by fighting in Goma and surrounding areas…the next 24 hours will be critical as people start to run low on supplies and will need to see what they can find to survive.”
Disease fears
The highly mobile nature of the emergency has prompted additional fears that existing diseases may spread quickly among uprooted populations, although preventive measures were taken before the latest escalation, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said.
For the moment the immediate concern is to help victims of the violence.
“There are currently hundreds of people in hospital, most admitted with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, with secondary infections becoming a health risk,” said Dr Adelheid Marschang, Emergency Response Coordinator for the DRC.
She noted that before Goma airport closed on Saturday, WHO had sent critical medical supplies for trauma and emergency care, infection prevention, cholera and more.
The UN agency's response to the crisis has also included providing tents for hospitals to cope with the increasing number of injured. It has medical hubs in North and South Kivu, in the cities of Goma and Bukavu to support health care needs in eastern DRC.
Last year the provinces of North and South Kivu reported high numbers of cholera, measles and malaria cases and deaths, Dr. Marschang said, warning of a “heightened risk for spillover of cholera” into neighbouring countries and provinces.
The area was also the epicentre of an outbreak of a new strain of mpox, declared a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024. Dr. Marschang warned that the new wave of displacement will make it increasingly hard to track and treat the disease.
Amid the lethal violence, hospitals and health workers themselves are in danger, the WHO official said, with “reports of health workers being shot at and patients including babies being caught in crossfire”.
“Attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Healthcare must be protected at all times,” she insisted.
Sexual violence alert
WHO and other UN agencies and partners said that they are especially worried about the increasing risk to women and girls from violence, including rape.
“Pregnant women are at risk, with very high maternal death rates, even before the violence escalated,” WHO said.
“Sadly, hospitals and health workers are in danger. We are hearing reports of health workers being shot at, and patients, including babies, being caught in the crossfire. WHO reminds everyone that attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Health care must be protected at all times.”
Echoing those concerns, WFP's Ms. Thakral reported that mobile teams and mobile clinics are at work amid reports that women had been raped multiple times while searching for firewood or after leaving the perimeter of their camp.
Other reports indicated “an increase in rape along the pathways that some of the conflict partners are now taking into South Kivu,” she said, underscoring the agency's efforts “to have some solutions to follow the populations as they move”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Lenasia Residents March for Water
Phumla Mqashi informal settlement residents want taps to be installed at each household
City of Tshwane declares Hammanskraal water safe for consumption
City of Tshwane declares Hammanskraal water safe for consumption
The City of Tshwane Metro Municipality has announced that water supplied from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant to Hammanskraal is safe for consumption.
This comes after the completion of Phase 1 of the water treatment project.
The areas which fall under the first phase and have access to the clean water include Wards 49, 73, 74 and 75, which encompass Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (also referred to as Steve Bikoville), and Babelegi Industrial.
The completion of Phase 1 of the project follows extensive testing conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation, City of Tshwane, and Magalies Water, which confirmed that the water is now meeting all the required health standards for consumption.
In a statement posted on social media, X, on Wednesday, Tshwane Municipality Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, explained that “extensive testing” was done before laboratory tests confirmed that “the water now meets all the required health standards for consumption”.
This comes after a process of purging the reticulation system, which was previously supplied by Temba Water Works, using clean water sourced from the new Klipdrift Package Plant.
Moya noted that the purpose of the prolonged purging process and accompanying inspections was to ensure that the system is fully rehabilitated, disinfected and safe.
“The successful delivery of services to Hammanskraal forms part of long-term projects by the city and the national government to ensure that the quality of water provided to this community meets the constitutional obligations enjoyed by many citizens in the country,” Moya said.
Moya said the Magalies Water Klipdrift package project consists of “four phases estimated to be completed in mid-2025”.
“With the completion of each stage, more areas in Hammanskraal will benefit. This will be complemented by upgrades to Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) being conducted by the city. The combination of these two projects will allow communities to benefit from a reliable and clean water supply,” the Mayor said.
Rooiwal WWTP tender first stage of investigation completed
Meanwhile, Moya reported that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has this week confirmed that the first stage of its investigation into the Rooiwal WWTP tender has been completed.
She said this has resulted in criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority and disciplinary referrals to the City of Tshwane.
“The mayoral executive welcomes the news of the completion of the first part of the investigation and is awaiting formal communication from the Special Investigating Unit to the city. We look forward to receiving the report and acting on its recommendations.
“Addressing the injustice of the failure to provide potable water to the residents of Hammanskraal must include consequence management for the failures and corruption of the initial project. The completion of the first part of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit brings us one step closer to ensuring accountability,” Moya said.
The Mayor also acknowledged the residents of Hammanskraal for their patience and committed to addressing other challenges plaguing the area.
“We thank residents for their patience during the process of ensuring the safety of the water and will continue to work with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation, to successfully deliver the future phases of the project,” Moya said.
For more than a decade, the community of Hammanskraal has suffered from a lack of clean, and constant water supply.
This led to the death of 32 people due to an outbreak of cholera in the area in 2023.
This prompted a visit to the area by President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he apologised to the residents. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 12:28
46 views
Five Years of Water Shortages in KZN Township
Residents take legal action
DWS inspects water infrastructure in North West
DWS inspects water infrastructure in North West
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo will today assess the conditions of water and waste water treatment infrastructure in the North West following the recent detection of the cholera causing bacterium in raw water.
The Deputy Minister will begin his programme by meeting with various stakeholders at the Lekwa-Teemane Council Chambers in Bloemhof. He will then proceed to site inspection visits at Bloemhof Dam, Christiana Waste Water Treatment Works and the Bloemhof Water Treatment Works.
“The Deputy Minister will meet different stakeholders and the Executive Mayors of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Francis Baard and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities to assess their progress in implementing recommendations made by the department to comply with the required standards of effluent before it is discharged into water courses.
“He will also assess the conditions of the water treatment works and waste water treatment plants in Bloemhof and Christiana, under Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said.
The department recently issued a warning about the presence of cholera bacteria in raw water along the Harts and Vaal rivers following a routine raw water sampling at five monitoring sites, namely, Wentzel dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir.
The presence of environmental non-toxic cholera (Vibrio cholerae) has also been confirmed at Wentzel Dam in Harts River near Schweizer Reneke and Pampierstad.
The department has identified the possible pollution sources to be from the discharge of wastewater treatment works effluent into the rivers.
Seitlholo will also release the latest report following the tests that were conducted at the water courses. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 10/24/2024 - 10:05
409 views
Warning against consumption of raw water amid cholera bacteria
Warning against consumption of raw water amid cholera bacteria
The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal Rivers in North West and Northern Cape to be careful when using raw, or untreated water from the rivers.
The warning comes after a routine raw water sampling in September from five sites, including Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park and Douglas weir, which indicated the presence of cholera.
“Communities are advised not to drink or come into contact with the raw water from the rivers. Follow up sampling on the river is in process and will indicate extent and area of caution,” the department said.
The department said communities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mopati, Francis Baard and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities as well as the water services authorities in the area have been requested to take extra care in the water treatment process, disinfection and chlorination of the water.
The chlorination of water is effective in safeguarding water from the risk of cholera.
The department said the Naledi, Greater Taung, Leekwa Teemane, Magareng, Dikgatlong Sol Plaatje, Siyacuma and Phokwane Municipalities treat water from the rivers to ensure it is safe for consumption.
“Water is tested to ensure safe drinking water [and] water not meeting the required standard would not be supplied for drinking and domestic use. The Vaal River is a ‘workhorse river’ serving the Gauteng, Free State, Northwest and Northern Cape provinces supplying water to various users for domestic, industrial, mine and agricultural use that contribute to nutrients in the river.
“All possible pollution sources from Bloemhof Dam to Douglas are considered, specifically from the discharge of wastewater treatment works. The required compliance monitoring and enforcement activities will continue to ensure compliance,” the department said.
The department reiterated that rivers, including dams and streams, containing raw or untreated water are not suitable for human consumption.
“We therefore urge members of the public to avoid consuming untreated water sourced from such water bodies unless it is first disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has also set out guidelines that should be followed regarding safe drinking water.
“The municipalities are encouraged to instruct water users to boil their water for drinking purposes as extra safety precaution where the results from the laboratory or operational monitoring may indicate a risk,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:20
175 views
High-risk people encouraged to get flu vaccination
High-risk people encouraged to get flu vaccination
As South Africa enters the winter season, Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has encouraged the public, especially people at high risk of severe influenza, to visit their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu vaccination.
Nkomo-Ralehoko urged people, especially those at high risk such as adults aged 65 years and older, people with underlying illness such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people, to visit their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu jab.
“Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from influenza,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The MEC made the call on Sunday, as the department joined the global community in observing World Hand Hygiene Day to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases.
World Hand Hygiene Day is observed annually on 5 May to improve hand hygiene standards at home and the workplace - thereby protecting health and care workers, as well as communities from infections and curbing the spread of harmful germs.
The 2024 World Hand Hygiene Day was observed under the theme: “Promoting knowledge and capacity building of health and care workers through innovative and impactful training and education, on infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene”.
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of hand hygiene to stop the spread of respiratory infections.
“It is critical that health and care workers and the public at large make hand hygiene a non-negotiable routine in their daily lives as a simple, yet powerful tool to safeguard their wellbeing. Through advocacy and education, we can foster these good habits that help prevent the spread of diseases,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko noted that hand hygiene has proven effective as a preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Cholera outbreak.
“Hands should be washed with a soap or alcohol-based sanitiser for a at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands, including the palms, back of hands, between fingers, back of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists.
“As we enter the winter months - which often sees an increase in cases of flu infections - the message around hand hygiene is even more urgent as a proactive measure to protect ourselves and loved ones and stop the spread of respiratory infections such as influenza,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
In an effort to raise awareness, the department’s health facilities will from 5 to 10 May 2024, embark on a handwashing campaign targeting healthcare workers, patients, and the public about the significance of hand hygiene. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:54
560 views
Minister Joe Phaahla on state of public health service
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla notes with concern and condemns in strong terms the acts of anarchy, violence and criminality targeting healthcare facilities with the intention to disrupt the provision of essential health services, depriving patients of life-saving treatment.
The recent acts of violence committed in Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga which threatened the safety and security of the health workers, patients, service providers and infrastructure is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These acts disrupt the provision of essential health services, threaten the safety and security of health workers, patients, and health infrastructure.
We welcome the swift response and interventions by members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to normalise the situation to enable the health workers to perform their life-saving duties in a safe and protected environment without disruption and acts of violence, and at the same time enable the patients to access essential health service including life-saving treatment.
The government will continue to respond proportionally to these criminal acts to protect those who need help in the hospital, the healthcare workers and the healthcare infrastructure we have. We are already working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that healthcare service continues undisrupted and prevent future incidences. We want to assure the healthcare workers and community at large that the similar acts will not happen unattended and will be responded with speed and appropriately.
The National Department of Health (NDOH) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have signed Memorandum of Agreement in 2019, at which have committed to cooperate to ensure security and safety of patients, workers in the health facility and the entire infrastructure. The SAPS in response to criminality in the health facility will deploy a dedicated team to ensure security of the facility.
We call upon anyone with evidence of unethical behaviour by health officials or concerns about the level of service delivery, operations of the health facility or whatsoever, to raise them through proper channels instead of resorting to violence and intimidation because that will not be tolerated, and the law will take its course.
We will not entertain any form of anarchy and feeling of entitlement in our facilities because we follow normal procurement processes like any other public institution. We implore people to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully within the confines of the law, without infringing the rights to life by others and access to healthcare.
We can confirm that no life has been lost in the facility due to the recent unfortunate violent incidents, but a number of patients couldn't access their chronic medication, while some planned surgeries had to be rescheduled. Other patients were transferred to nearby hospitals, while stable patients were discharged. The situation is now under control and the hospital is fully operational. Staff members are back at work.
Human Resources for Health
The Department of Health continues with efforts to address the challenge of unemployment of health professionals, including medical doctors who completed statutory community service programme. We are working closely with Provincial health departments focused on all critical vacant posts to strengthen healthcare delivery to adequately respond to the needs of our people. We are making progress in the recruitment of the qualified health professionals across the country. Let me dispel the myths by some critics and allay fears that the department is dragging its feet to recruit and appoint unemployed health professionals.
There are 2012 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors on the health sector establishment at the current moment across nine provinces which require R2,4 billion to fill them. This numbers excludes other categories of health professionals like nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, dentists et cetera. We are happy to announce that a total of 2066 health professionals have been appointed between January and March 2024 across the country.
This consists of 1121 medical officers on Grade 1 of entry level, 579 professional nurses, 127 Allied Health workers, 100 pharmacists, 91 Radiographers, 23 Dentists Grade 1 and 9 Environmental Health Officers. The recruitment processes are continuing in provinces to finalize more appointments scheduled to enable the successful candidates to assume duties in May 2024.
The Ministry continues to work closely with the provincial Health MECs to activate unfunded vacant posts using the allocated additional budget to enable recruitment of more health workers. It is our wish to employ as many health professionals as possible to play a meaningful role in the public health system of the country. It is important to emphasize that the filling of posts is done in line with the employment guidelines as issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration. This means the applicants should not limit themselves to the provinces or districts of their residence.
Cholera Update
The country has recorded more than 150 suspected cholera cases, 12 laboratory- confirmed cases and one death between 1 January and 18 April 2024. Eleven of these cases were recorded in Limpopo and one in Gauteng. Three of these cases are imported from Zimbabwe, with no definite history of contact with other confirmed cases. The demised patient was a 48-year-old male South African citizen from Musina, in Vhembe District who experienced diarrhoeal symptoms and was admitted in hospital on 16 March, unfortunately he passed away on 21 March 2024 in Pietersburg hospital.
The risk of both imported cases and local transmission remains high due the cross- border movements to and from both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We appeal to the organisers of social gatherings including religious and traditional events to ensure strict compliance with personal hygiene (including handwashing) especially during food preparation and serving, and ablution facilities to prevent possible transmission of cholera and other foodborne and waterborne diseases.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.
Health addressing 2 000 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors
Health addressing 2 000 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors
There are currently 2 012 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors in the health sector across nine provinces and government requires R2.4 billion to fill them.
This number excludes other categories of health professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, dentists and so on.
However, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has assured citizens that the department is working around the clock to address the challenge of unemployed health professionals including medical doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes.
“We are working closely with provincial health departments focused on all critical vacant posts to strengthen healthcare delivery to adequately respond to the needs of our people. We are making progress in the recruitment of qualified health professionals across the country,” he said in a statement on Friday.
“Let me dispel the myths by some critics and allay fears that the department is dragging its feet to recruit and appoint unemployed health professionals.”
Meanwhile, the Minister said he was pleased to announce that a total of 2 066 health professionals have been appointed between January and March 2024 across the country.
According to Phaahla, the number consists of 1 121 medical officers at Grade 1 entry level, 579 professional nurses, 127 allied health workers, 100 pharmacists, 91 radiographers, 23 dentists and nine environmental health officers.
“The recruitment processes are continuing in provinces to finalise more appointments scheduled to enable the successful candidates to assume duties in May 2024.”
The Minister said he continues to work closely with the provincial Health MECs to activate unfunded vacant posts using the allocated additional budget to enable recruitment of more health workers.
“It is our wish to employ as many health professionals as possible to play a meaningful role in the public health system of the country. It is important to emphasize that the filling of posts is done in line with the employment guidelines as issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration.”
This means the applicants should not limit themselves to the provinces or districts of their residence.
Cholera
Shifting his focus on cholera, he said South Africa has recorded more than 150 suspected cases, 12 laboratory-confirmed cases and one death between 1 January and 18 April 2024.
Eleven of these cases were recorded in Limpopo and one in Gauteng.
“Three of these cases are imported from Zimbabwe, with no definite history of contact with other confirmed cases.”
According to Phaahla, the deceased was a 48-year-old male South African citizen from Musina, in Vhembe District who experienced diarrhoeal symptoms. He was admitted on 16 March and passed away on 21 March in Pietersburg Hospital.
“The risk of both imported cases and local transmission remains high due to the cross-border movements to and from both Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” the Minister explained.
He appealed to the organisers of social gatherings including religious and traditional events to ensure strict compliance with personal hygiene including handwashing, especially during food preparation and serving, and ablution facilities to prevent possible transmission of cholera and other foodborne and waterborne diseases. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 14:31
289 views
Corruption accused Edwin Sodi’s company still not blacklisted by Treasury
City of Tshwane asked for Blackhead Consulting to be put on the list of restricted suppliers more than two months ago
Water: government is failing to realise this human right
Human Rights Day is a reminder that the Constitution’s Bill of Rights guarantees everyone’s right to access clean water
World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa’s Swift Response to Imported Cholera Cases in Limpopo Province
On 16 January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa, was notified by the National Department of Health (NDoH) of two newly laboratory confirmed cases of cholera in the Limpopo Province. These were from Musina and Blouberg Sub-districts in Vhembe and Capricorn Districts respectively. From 17-20 January 2024, in a swift and decisive move, WHO through its Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) cluster, joined NDoH, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) as part of the national team that conducted a support visit to assess and enhance readiness and response to cholera. The assessment was jointly conducted with the provincial health counterparts. This was in recognition of the potential risk for further spread of cholera, both locally and across borders.
As of 20 January 2024, South Africa reported three laboratory confirmed imported cholera cases. These comprised of two cases in Limpopo and one additional case which was reported later from Gauteng province. All cases had recent travel history to Zimbabwe.
The national team assessed various pillars including coordination, surveillance, case management, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), infection prevention control (IPC), and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) in the readiness and response to cholera at provincial, affected districts, and health facility tiers.
Some of the challenges observed in the field included the need for strengthening triaging, medical waste management at health facility level, and garbage management at community level. In addition, the national team recognized the need to intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in local languages, improving WASH and a critical need to strengthen cross border collaboration.
WHO's swift involvement and participation in the national team's response to cholera cases in Limpopo, demonstrated continued willingness, dedication, and support to work with the NDoH and partners, to address the risk of Cholera and other public health emergencies in the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
South Africa: Travellers urged to be vigilant following detection of cholera in Limpopo
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has urged citizens to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as the country has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.
According to the Department of Health, both cases are imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in the Vhembe District after a 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina Hospital.
“The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe, who presented at Helene Franz Hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with a history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024,” the department explained.
The department said this particular patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024.
According to the statement, the patient's health condition is stable and they are currently in isolation at the hospital.
“His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.”
The department said the country remains on high alert for possible imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe, which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease, which so far claimed over 200 lives.
The department, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA), has since intensified health screening at the Beitbridge border post to mitigate the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister has since thanked suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and fully cooperating with health officials.
He appealed to all those with a travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces, especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” said Dhlomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also encouraged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delay.
The symptoms to look out for include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting.
The department has advised people to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams unless boiled or disinfected first.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
Deputy Minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo urges citizens to be vigilant following detection of cholera cases in Limpopo
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo urges members of the public to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as country records two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.
Both cases are imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in Vhembe District. The 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina hospital.
The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe who presented at Hellen Franz hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024.
The patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024. His health condition is stable and still in isolation at the hospital. His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.
The country remains on high alert of possible imported cholera cases from the neighbouring Zimbabwe which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease which has so far claimed over 200 lives.
The department in collaboration with the Border Management Authority, has intensified health screening at Beitbridge border post to mitigate against the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe.
Deputy Minister Dhlomo thanks these suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and full cooperation with health officials and appeals to all those with travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same in order save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection”, said Deputy Minister Dlhomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and dehydration and vomiting), with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also urged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delays. Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams, streams, unless boiled or disinfected first.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.
Travellers urged to be vigilant following detection of cholera in Limpopo
Travellers urged to be vigilant following detection of cholera in Limpopo
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has urged citizens to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as the country has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.
According to the Department of Health, both cases are imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in the Vhembe District after a 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina Hospital.
“The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe, who presented at Helene Franz Hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with a history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024,” the department explained.
The department said this particular patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024.
According to the statement, the patient’s health condition is stable and they are currently in isolation at the hospital.
“His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.”
The department said the country remains on high alert for possible imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe, which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease, which so far claimed over 200 lives.
The department, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA), has since intensified health screening at the Beitbridge border post to mitigate the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister has since thanked suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and fully cooperating with health officials.
He appealed to all those with a travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces, especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” said Dhlomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also encouraged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delay.
The symptoms to look out for include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting.
The department has advised people to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams unless boiled or disinfected first. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:34
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Review of the progress towards the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) implementation in South Africa
The National Department of Health (NDOH) , in collaboration with provincial health departments, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa and partners such as John Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), convened the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Committee to review progress toward IHR (2005) implementation. The review meeting took place from November 20 to 22, 2023, at The Capital Menlyn Maine Hotel in Pretoria, Gauteng Province.
This review meeting was a follow up of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) meeting which was held May 25 and 26, 2022 in South Africa. The review's objectives were to:
- Provide feedback on the Program Management for Epidemic Preparedness (PMEP) workshop, held between 1-6 October, 2023 in Nairobi Kenya.
- Orient the IHR committee members on the NAPHS process.
- Review and document progress report of IHR (2005) implementation using the electronic State Party Annual Reporting Tool (eSPAR) for 2023
- Review progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) as detailed in the NAPHS.
- Update the existing NAPHS using the updated NAPHS matrix and prioritize activities for the annual operational plan (AOP) of 2024.
- Discuss the plans for the country's second JEE that is slated for the second quarter of 2024.
The facilitators included technical officers from WHO South Africa, the NDOH, and the NICD. Participants were multi-disciplinary and included the National IHR Focal Points, Epidemiologists, Communicable Disease Control Coordinators, Disease Surveillance Officers, Laboratory personnel, Port Health Officers, Environmental Health Practitioners from the Department of Health and Border Management Authority, Food Control experts, Antimicrobial Resistance Specialists, Animal Health, Infection Prevention and Control experts, State Security Civil Aviation Authority, and experts from other departments and partners critical to the implementation of the IHR in the country.
During the meeting, participants were updated on the WHO perspective on IHR (2005), as well as the country road map. Participants were also taken through the prioritization, assessment synthesis for quality planning, costing, resource mapping, and budget advocacy processes. The review methodology included plenary updates on the progress report for 2022, as documented on the eSPAR, as well as the status of NAPHS implementation. The participants then worked in groups corresponding to their respective technical areas to update the eSPAR for 2023, review the NAPHS matrix, and develop the annual operational plan for 2024. The recommendations from the first JEE, the after-action review reports, simulation exercises, the one-health national bridging workshop, and the IDSR strategic plan served as the source documents for updating the 2023 eSPAR and the 2024 NAPHS AOP.
This review meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to improve their knowledge of IHR and to commit to jointly strengthening the country's preparedness and response by applying lessons learned from recent emergencies and outbreaks such as COVID-19, cholera, and listeriosis outbreaks. The following proposals from the National IHR Focal Point were adopted by the participants:
- Preparing a debriefing report to the Director-General for Health on the country IHR implementation progress, challenges and key recommendations.
- Finalizing and submitting the 2023 eSPAR country report before the due date in compliance with the IHR requirements
- Conduct a follow up national IHR committee meeting in February 2024 to review progress on the SPAR, the NAPHS AOP, and preparations for the second JEE.
- Conducting self-assessment for JEE in June 2024.
- Conducting the second JEE in August 2024.
- Holding a Public Health Security Conference in November 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Tshwane must stop violating Hammanskraal residents’ rights
Following the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, the City needs to comply with the Public Protector’s orders