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Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores the link between hormones and belly fat. “According to Harvard Health, belly fat is more than just a cosmetic concern. It’s a serious health risk,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Various factors contribute to the buildup of belly fat, with hormones playing a …
Over one thousand permits issued for hemp cultivation
A total of 1 110 permits have been issued for hemp cultivation since the declaration of hemp as an agricultural crop.
This follows the approval of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024.
READ | Permits to change the lives of farmers
Briefing media on Thursday following Cabinet's regular meeting on Wednesday, Acting Minister in The Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, said Cabinet received a briefing on the progress on the development of the Cannabis Master Plan, which aims to provide a framework for the establishment, growth and development of the cannabis and hemp industry in South Africa, to contribute to economic growth, poverty alleviation and job creation.
The Master Plan is anchored on nine pillars, including Effective Regulatory Services; Sustainable Seed Supply Systems; Research and Technology Development; Producer Support Systems; Market Development; Enterprise and Supplier Development; Manufacturing and Product Development; Education and Training, and Communication and Awareness.
Ramokgopa said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has initiated the process of drafting the regulations in support of Cannabis for Private Purposes.
“The Department of Health, through the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, has concluded consultations on changes to the Schedules of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965).
“The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) concluded situational and value chain analysis on the Hemp and Cannabis sector in South Africa. The dtic will soon commence consultations on the Cannabis Commercialisation Policy,” Ramokgopa said.
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has also developed two hemp varieties and with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), is currently undergoing a second season of seed multiplication to make it available for the 2025 planting season.
“In May 2024, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development approved the Hemp Certification Scheme to regulate the varietal integrity and quality of hemp propagation material towards supporting the sustainable seed system of hemp. The DALRRD has commissioned research to the value of R124 million with the ARC, which focuses on Cannabis breeding for medicinal, fibre and other uses; Cannabis plant disease surveillance, indigenous germplasm collection and Cannabis seed system development.
“In Gauteng, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 10 small, medium and micro enterprises were supported for product development. The DALRRD continues to consult provinces on commitments thus far.
"To improve the capacity of the department to monitor the cultivation of hemp by permit holders, the ARC developed a detailed training programme for inspection services,” the Minister highlighted. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:41
Cabinet welcomes signing of second Presidential Health Compact
The quest for quality and affordable healthcare for all has moved closer with the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact.
This is according to the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Acting President, presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
READ | A nation's health, is a nation's wealth
The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system. It monitors and evaluates preparations for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The stakeholders include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
“It seeks to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing the NHI,” Ramokgopa said.
The health compact also seeks to bolster the development of human resources, while improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring private sector engagement.
The Acting President told the delegates during the signing ceremony that a healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous.
“A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall wellbeing. As a result, providing quality healthcare is of the utmost importance to all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramokgopa said Cabinet was appalled that some unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to defraud billions of rands from the State through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.
READ | Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners
“These wrongdoings were uncovered in a far-reaching investigation by the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] into alleged fraudulent medico-legal claims against the State since 2017.”
According to the Minister, the ongoing investigation revealed that some legal practitioners are helped by health practitioners working for the State to target the department.
In addition, she said matters completed by the SIU have resulted in at least R3 billion in savings for various provincial health departments. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:43
China opens market wider for African countries
Beijing, China - China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its markets wider for African countries, says President Xi Jinping.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China, Chinese President Xi said China has decided to give all least developed countries (LDCs), which have diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines.
“This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help to turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity,” President Xi said.
China will expand market access for African agricultural products, deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement programme."
“We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantee for trade and investment between the two sides.
“China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote together high quality Belt and Road cooperation, and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development,” President Xi said.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative was launched in 2013 by President Xi. The massive collection of development and investment initiatives was originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure. In the decade since, the project has expanded to Africa, Oceania and Latin America.
China is ready to assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, deepen logistics and financial cooperation for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.
In addition, China plans to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, as well as biodiversity conservation.
“We will create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, establish together 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration. All this is designed to help with green development in Africa.
“China is ready to establish with Africa a hospital alliance and joint medical centers. We will send 2 000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 programmes of health facilities and malaria treatment.
“We will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa’s pharmaceutical production, and continue to do what we can to help Africa with epidemic response. We support the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen public health capacity in all African countries,” President Xi said.
China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build 100 000 mu (about 6 670 hectares) of standardised agriculture demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance.
“We will implement 500 programmes in Africa to promote community welfare. We will also encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies, enable Africa to retain added value, and create at least one million jobs for Africa,” President Xi said.
Strengthening security
China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation.
“We will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6 000 military personnel and 1 000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China.
"The two sides will conduct joint military exercises, training and patrol... and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.
“To implement the 10 partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years,” the President said.
This can be broken down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.
In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds (a Chinese renminbi-denominated bond from a non-Chinese issuer, sold in the People's Republic of China) in China to enhance results-oriented cooperation in all areas.
“China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies.
"We will make better use of Africa’s leadership academies to cultivate talents for governance and invite 1 000 members of African political parties to China to deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance,” President Xi said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 07:03
Investing in gold remains one of the most reliable ways to preserve wealth, and the Krugerrand is among the most popular gold coins in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning, knowing how to track the Kruger Rand price and understanding the process of selling Krugerrands is essential for making the most …
Gauteng Legislature honours former Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Pandor
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has paid tribute to former ministers, Dr Naledi Pandor and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in a special sitting of the legislature.
Pandor retired from government following nearly 30 years of service in roles including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Minister of Higher Education and Training, twice as Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Education.
Dlamini Zuma also served in various positions, including as Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Health from 1994 to 1999 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs before her retirement.
Both played roles in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa.
Addressing the public gathering, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the two women represent the epitome of what it means to be a South African patriot.
“Our presence today is nothing else but an endorsement for the hard work, the dedication and commitment that they had for our country. They didn’t only love our country, they loved our people. They didn’t only sacrifice for our country, they sacrificed for everyone who is here now to understand that indeed our freedom was not free.
“They represent every epoch of our freedom and every epoch of our revolution. We don’t have silver, we don’t have gold but we have are these words: Thank you. We are indeed indebted to these two powerful women,” he said.
In response, former Minister Dlamini Zuma said: “Defend the gains of the revolution and push the frontiers. You must bequeath to the next generation a better Gauteng and a better South Africa than the one you have”.
Meanwhile, former Minister Pandor said: “There’s a lot of young people who have time to do a great deal of things and if you can change our nation’s thinking of itself…all you need is the will to make the difference”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:24
Nelson Mandela University hosts a Women’s Empowerment Event. Equipping students with the skills to succeed in the digital PR industry. Insights into the rapidly evolving PR landscape. Gqeberha, 04 September , 2024: The event took place on the 29th of August 2024 at the Ocean Science Campus at Nelson Mandela University. The event commemorating Women’s …
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. Exposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Incorporating high-quality sun protection into your daily routine can help shield your skin from these damaging effects. Heliocare 360: A Comprehensive Sun Care Solution …
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today held an informative and frank engagement regarding correctional supervision and parole boards in South Africa.
The committee was briefed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on the structure and functions, challenges, and successes, plans to address identified challenges, and progress in legislation to overhaul the parole system.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee extensively discussed all the matters, with a key focus on medical parole. “The committee commends the presentation. Our questions and concerns were mostly covered. Some of the statistics on medical parolees and the way forward in terms of vacancies will be addressed to the committee in writing to further interrogate this matter,” she said.
The committee heard there are currently 52 correctional supervision and parole boards (CSPB) in the country, whose main function is to consider offenders for possible placement on parole and correctional supervision. The Correctional Services Act (CSA) provides that any sentenced offender may be considered for placement on medical parole by the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister. The Minister must establish a Medical Parole Advisory Board (MPAB) to provide an independent medical report to the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister.
The MPAB must make a recommendation to the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister on whether it is appropriate to grant medical parole. The committee heard that the CSA provides a list of medical conditions for consideration by the MPAB when assessing an offender's medical parole application.
Regarding deaths of inmates while awaiting medical parole outcomes, the committee heard that during the 2023/24 financial year, 22 offenders died before their medical parole applications could be finalised. During the same financial year, 85 offenders had applied for medical parole, four of whom were released on normal parole, 43 of whom were recommended for medical parole, 13 were not recommended and 22 died prior to their applications process being completed.
“We have raised concerns. We noted that vacancies exist in some of these boards, which could be a contributing factor. The department will furnish us with further information we required,” Ms Ramolobeng emphasised.
Ms Ramolobeng further stated that some committee members had concerns about inmates who were granted medical parole as they were terminally ill, but more than a decade later they are still to be found functioning well in society.
The DCS said that statistics relating to this issue will be provided to the committee in writing. However, the committee was assured that the board reviewing such matters is expert in the health field. The DCS conceded that such exceptional cases do exist but maintained that the number is small.
“The department will provide us with the statistics of such matters, but they have assured us in the meantime that that figure is generally low. We will engage once we received the information requested,” said Ms Ramolobeng.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Security guards employed by Golden Security Services in Heideveld say they are owed money
Rehabilitation centers provide crucial support to individuals struggling with addiction, offering a path to recovery and a chance to rebuild healthier lives. In South Africa, the need for effective rehab solutions is more pressing than ever as communities face increasing challenges related to substance abuse. Comprehensive Care in Rehabilitation Centers Rehabilitation centers near me …
Motsoaledi calls on pharmacists to play a role in vaccine manufacturing
Department of Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has called on pharmacists to play an active role in vaccine manufacturing as the world grapples with a growing trend of infectious diseases.
“The world is seriously crying for vaccines and medicines – affordable ones for that matter. Should we be squabbling with each other like we did during COVID-19?” the Minister retorted.
The Minister was speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress held in Cape Town on Monday.
The four-day congress, which kickstarted on Sunday is also part of the Pharmacy Month commemorative activities to raise patient awareness of the vital role pharmacists can play in the community’s healthcare and to improve communication between patients and pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel.
READ | Motsoaledi to open Pharmacists International Federation Congress
“When the need arises for all humanity to be vaccinated, should the vaccines be so scarce that the developed world starts hoarding them for themselves, leaving the still developing world on their own? Surely, we can do better than this and it is within our capability to do better,” he told delegates.
“I have full confidence that in your deliberations, those facts will not just be shoved away and kept under the carpet, for there is a lot at stake for all humanity.”
He told the attendees that he believes that in the next 10 to 15 years the world will have defeated modern-day infectious diseases like HIV and Aids, Ebola, Mpox, tuberculosis, malaria and others.
“But in doing this, as The Lancet states, we shall be ushering in a new era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). You shall be called again to provide easily accessible and affordable pharmaceuticals to deal with these NCDs, which are, already upon us.
“The question is: are we equal to the job? Shall we rise to the occasion?”
Motsoaledi also touched on the need to address health inequities across the world, urgently strengthening health systems and the need to harness innovation and technology to transform health systems.
The Minister also spoke about the need to invest in sustainable and equitable health financing and using healthcare as a public good and as part of social justice.
“Let us remember that as pharmacists, we are not just being distributors but also serve as instructors, patient safety advocates and important participants in public health campaigns.
“I call upon every one of you to be agents of change,” he stressed.
The Minister challenged the pharmacists to ensure the health systems are not just of good quality but are also equitable and inclusive.
“This is a call to advocate for policies that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable, and in the process, commit to advancing the pharmacy profession as a driving force for health equity and quality care.”
He also took the time to express his gratitude to the FIP for bringing the congress to Cape Town and to all the delegates for their commitment to improving healthcare through the pharmacy profession.
“We hope that your decisions over the next few days will shape the future of health. I wish you all a productive and inspiring experience at congress, and I look forward to seeing the innovative solutions and partnerships that will emerge from our time together.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:29
September is a month of renewal and positive change. It’s also when South Africa celebrates Heart Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to make impactful lifestyle choices that improve heart health. As it stands, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA cites cardiovascular disease as the second-leading cause of death in the country, responsible …
The digital age has transformed the way we shop, offering the convenience of purchasing everything from electronics to household items from the comfort of our homes. This article explores the diverse range of products available through online shopping platforms, highlighting their features and benefits. Tech Gadgets and Accessories Tech enthusiasts can find a plethora …
The Totalsports Women’s Race has much to celebrate in 2024. Each of the three events drew record-breaking numbers, with a combined total of 30 000 runners (7500 in Durban, 12 500 in Cape Town, and 10 000 in Joburg) participating during Women’s Month. In addition to this remarkable turnout, the event proudly raised an impressive …
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban: In the heart of Clermont Township, a concerning trend is unfolding. Youth fresh out of high school, are disengaging from education, abandoning their dreams, and succumbing to a life of stagnation. This phenomenon is not only alarming but also threatens the future growth and development of our township. The statistics are staggering. Every …
Water is a vital resource for all life on Earth, covering around 71% of the planet. It is crucial to conserve water to ensure we have enough fresh, clean water and to prevent water shortage and drought. This article provides tips on how to save water in your garden. If you save water, water saves …
China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - As part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of South Africans, China has committed to assist the country in tackling poverty.
This commitment was revealed in a joint statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China.
“China is committed to sharing with South Africa its experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation; in building poverty alleviation model villages and offering support for South Africa's coordinated urban and rural development,” the statement said on Monday.
During the State Visit, the two countries recommitted to working together towards building a high-quality China-South Africa community, with a shared future.
“To carry forward the friendship, consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance coordination, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to an All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era, underpinned by strong political ties and focused on a prosperous future with balanced trade, and accelerated transformative economic growth,” the statement said.
Improving lives
China expressed its firm support of national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen. It also said it respects efforts by the South African government to safeguard its national interests to improve the lives of all South Africans.
“The two sides agreed to work on strengthening cooperation and synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to continue implementing the 10 Years Strategic Programme of Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), as a blueprint towards more substantive outcomes on priority political and socio-economic issues between the two sides.
“The two sides agreed to fully leverage the role of mechanisms such as the China-South Africa Joint Working Group (JWG) and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) to further expand economic and trade ties by improving the current trade structure, increasing market access and the export of value-added goods from South Africa,” the statement said.
Trade and investment
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
“The two sides encouraged the respective business communities to enhance new two-way investments and increase their manufacturing bases within the proximity of the relevant source of raw materials to enable the transfer of skills technology and job creation.
“The two sides committed to providing a stable, fair and enabling business environment for companies from both sides and to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the relevant personnel, projects and institutions.
“The two sides encouraged mutual visits by economic and trade delegations, including co-hosting the New Energy Investment Conferences with South Africa and holding the Jobs Fair of Chinese-invested Enterprises in South Africa to boost local employment and improve people’s lives,” the statement said.
READ | President calls for narrowing of SA, China trade deficit
Deepening cooperation
The two sides agreed that promoting modernisation is the joint goal in building a high-level South Africa-China community, with a shared future.
“The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, health, medical sciences and infrastructure development. However, they will further seize opportunities presented by the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focusing on key areas such as the digital economy, new energies and artificial intelligence, boost cooperation on quality productive forces, and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy, energy storage and power transmission and distribution,” the statement said.
The two sides further agreed to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, women, health, youth, education, sport, media, tourism and other people-to-people cooperation fields.
As part of the State Visit, the two Presidents jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation instruments in the following areas:
• Cooperation of the Application of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System;
• Sustainable Housing and Human Settlements Development;
• Deepening Bilateral Trade Cooperation;
• Cultural Heritage;
• Cooperation in Prevention and Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease;
• Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Dairy Products Exported from the Republic of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China; and the Protocol on Greasy Wool. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:41
Public Service Month to kick off on a high note
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has outlined a series of activities his department will spearhead as part of this year’s Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).
Activities will kick off on Thursday and will feature among others, roadblock inspections, service delivery site spot checks and an imbizo which will be led by the Minister.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria on Monday, Buthelezi said during the course of the month, government will introduce the Ethics Committee Procedure and provide training on Lifestyle Audit Investigations and Discipline Management.
This is aimed at reinforcing the ethical foundations of the public service.
“In collaboration with The Ethics Institute, we will conduct an independent survey to assess the state of ethics in public administration,” the Minister said.
September marks public service month in South Africa. The IPSM serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the impact the government has, especially around issues of service delivery.
As part of Public Service Month, public servants are expected to roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service delivery points and unblock the bottlenecks and red-tape in the delivery of services, among others.
On Thursday,12 September, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will host a dialogue focusing on enhancing services for persons with disabilities. The dialogue is aimed at improving the lives of those living with disabilities and informing policy recommendations.
The Service Delivery Monitoring Week will be held from 16-22 September.
The Minister explained that the initiative will emphasise the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure effective service delivery and this will include visits to key facilities which include:
• Presidential Hotline visit in Centurion on 17 September at 9 am
• Site visit at Maponya Mall Thusong Centre on 18 September at 9 am
• Bronkhorstspruit Hospital on 19 September at 9 am
Also as part of the IPSM, Batho Pele Week (hybrid events) will be held.
These include:
• Dialogue on Public Service Charter (Gauteng) - hybrid event on 25 September.
• Batho Pele – Walkie Talkie – physical event in Rustenburg on 27 September.
The final week of the IPSM week will include:
• International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) four-day conference in Gauteng – physical event from 1-5 October 2024
• Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Hackathon weekend in the Northern Cape - physical event from 4-6 October 2024
• GEMS Big Walk for all government employees – Sunday, 6 October 2024
Buthelezi said the wellbeing of public servants remains a priority and that government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing integrated mental health strategies.
“As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders to join us in our efforts to strengthen the public service and restore trust in our institutions,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:30
Motsoaledi to open Pharmacists International Federation Congress
South Africa is hosting the first-ever International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress in sub-Saharan Africa.
The four-day congress, which kick-started on Sunday, 1 September 2024, is also part of the Pharmacy Month commemorative activities to raise patient awareness of the vital role pharmacists can play in the community’s healthcare and to improve communication between patients and pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel.
The gathering brings together pharmacists from all over the world to share expertise, network, share knowledge technology innovations and experience.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is expected to deliver a keynote address at the official opening of the congress today. The gathering is being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The FIP is a non-governmental organisation representing over four million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists and has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1948.
It partners with some of the world’s leading health, policy-making, education and science institutions.
“During the congress, pharmacists from different backgrounds will have the opportunity to share expertise and knowledge to advance the profession to meet the healthcare needs in the challenging environment of endless disease outbreaks.”
According to the Department of Health, pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare sector as they also foresee innovation in medicine such as vaccines which are critical in saving people’s lives, especially during outbreaks and pandemics as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for medicines dispensation due to their medication expertise, patient access, and medication management responsibilities.
This year’s Pharmacy Month is commemorated under the theme: ‘Let’s Talk About Vaccines’.
Meanwhile, the FIP Congress’ theme will focus on innovating for the future of healthcare.
The theme is based on the conviction that improving vaccination coverage and promoting a life-course approach to vaccination are global imperatives to which pharmacists can greatly contribute.
Pharmacists play an important role in promoting vaccination, raising awareness and educating the population about the health, social and humanistic benefits of vaccines, including gains in quality of life.
Participating stakeholders at the congress include the South African Pharmacy Council, the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa and the Independent Community Pharmacy Association. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 09:59
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, offers tips on preventing nighttime leg cramps and ensuring a better night’s sleep. “According to the Sleep Foundation, nighttime leg cramps are sudden, involuntary spasms of the muscles in your legs during the night or while at rest,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “These …
Women in the rural and township economies are more vulnerable to poverty and unemployment, according to Julika Falconer, CEO of Durban-based Zero2Five Trust which focusses on ECD (Early Childhood Development). Working within these communities, she says poverty is a daily reality and impacts on the fact that many children do not receive the education needed …
By Thula Mngoma (Academic – Regent Business School) In South Africa, women aspiring to leadership roles encounter a landscape shaped by historical inequalities and persistent socio-economic challenges. Regent Business School Academic, Thula Mngoma, examines the specific hurdles faced by women, particularly black women, as they strive for leadership positions. She highlights the strategies that have …
Sungrow Unveils Latest PowerStack 200CS: A Game-Changer now available in South Africa’s Energy Sector South Africa, Johannesburg 22 August 2024: Sungrow, a global leader in PV inverters and energy storage solutions, has unveiled its latest Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Storage System (ESS), the PowerStack 200CS, at Intersolar Europe. This innovation comes at a crucial …