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Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores five tried-and-true methods for clearing a stuffy nose and breathing easier this winter. “According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, winter is a season often associated with a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses that can cause nasal congestion,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “A stuffy …
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
Despite heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the Monkeypox disease, or Mpox, as it is known for short, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week.
This brings the total number of infections to 22 since the first case was reported in May this year, while the death toll remains at three.
According to the Department of Health, available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.
“The Department of Health calls for the public to maintain vigilant and never lower their guard against Mpox disease, as the country remains on high alert for a possible surge,” the statement read.
The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 July 2024.
“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban over the past weekend, where an Mpox-like rash developed,” the department explained.
The other case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with an Mpox-like rash at a local hospital.
“Both new cases self-identified as MSM [men who have sex with men] with no international, but local travel history.”
The department is urging people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without an international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces, especially amongst the close contacts of the patients, said the department.
“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:05
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Medical Research Council says there is an urgent need for population estimates that better describe the South African population
Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest
The Gauteng Provincial Government says it fully accepts the judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest handed down by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
The inquest, which was established in July 2021, sought to investigate the criminal liability for the deaths of 141 mental healthcare users from Life Esidimeni.
Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo has determined that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the then Mental Health Director, Dr Makgabo Manamela, can be held accountable for the deaths of some Life Esidimeni patients.
In 2016, the Gauteng Department of Health moved the deceased from Life Esidimeni – a long-term psychiatric care hospital, which provided highly specialised chronic care to mental healthcare users to NGOs, which Teffo described as “ill-equipped” and “inexperienced” to give proper and adequate care.
This conduct, the judge said, led to “regrettable and unfortunate deaths, some of which could have been avoided”.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said: “We are pleased this process that brought so much pain and suffering to those who lost their loved ones, as well as the survivors whose human rights were grossly violated by this tragedy is nearing its end.
“This judgement closes a painful chapter, not only for the affected families but for us as the Gauteng Provincial Government.”
The judgement follows an arbitration process led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke that was established in 2018 and culminated in an arbitration award for the victims of the tragedy.
Moseneke gave the provincial government a list of 134 people after he concluded that families should each receive payments of R1 million in constitutional damages from government.
According to the provincial government, all claimants were paid R159 460 000 within the time that was stipulated by Justice Moseneke in his report.
“The only payments that are still outstanding are for the survivors who were not part of the initial arbitration process.”
The provincial government said it was currently administering these claims.
However, the claimants will only receive 50% of the claims upon successful verification. The other half will be held in trust on behalf of the mental healthcare user, which aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act 17 of 2002.
“As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are confident that the National Prosecuting Authority will take this judgement forward and we await the conclusion of this matter,” the Premier said.
Way forward
Lesufi added that following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, the provincial government has made concerted efforts to ensure that the rights of mental healthcare users are promoted and safeguarded.
“As part of ongoing measures to strengthen mental health care in Gauteng, the provincial government undertook to ensure that the five district Mental Health Review Boards (MHRB) are functional and effective.”
The MHRBs are made up of 27 people with diverse expertise which include legal practitioners, mental healthcare practitioners, and community members with a proven record of community development and involvement.
In response to the growing need for mental health services, the provincial government said it has prioritised the refurbishments and repurposing of some of its healthcare facilities to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.
According to the provincial government, several facilities have since been refurbished and opened to ensure enough acute mental health beds in hospitals and to increase mental health resources, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services.
These facilities include Bertha Gxowa, South Rand, Tshwane District, Tembisa, Edenvale, Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals.
The newly opened Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic offers a basket of free services for mental health patients ranging from counselling, social work services, dual diagnosis services as well as psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents.
“The provincial government sympathises with the bereaved and affected families and understands that the Life Esidimeni inquest was incredibly important for families to find closure and for accountability,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:48
Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) in phases in his Budget Vote Speech.
“We will have to start implementing NHI in phases, as we are already in phase 2. The rest of the building blocks of health will easily fall into place,” Motsoaledi said on Thursday.
Tabling the Budget Vote for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Minister announced that the department had been allocated R62 218 899, a 3.5% increase from the previous year’s R60.1 billion.
He informed Parliament that his priorities for the next five years consist of six building blocks outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These include leadership, governance, access to essential medicine, the health workforce, health systems financing, information systems, and service delivery.
“Five of the six building blocks seem acceptable to everybody and debates around them are straightforward and clear. But one of them has generated a lot of heat and sometimes fury in some quarters. This is the health systems financing. In our country we have decided to call this NHI,” he said.
The Minister said some believe that the country is not ready for the NHI, while others are of the view that it is “very expensive” and the country has no money for it.
“NHI is a health financing system, called Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the WHO. It is a health financing system, which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor.”
Motsoaledi told the Parliamentarians that it was no debate that South Africa is the most unequal society in the whole world.
“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare you may believe we live in different countries.”
However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality” and South Africa has been seeking a solution for the past 96 years.
The Minister referenced the WHO, which states that a country should allocate at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health to have a good healthcare system for everyone.
“This is not 5% of the budget of a country, it is the GDP, the total health of a country. In South Africa, we have far surpassed that recommended 5%. We are at 8.5%. European countries are at 9%.”
This means South Africa’s health system was supposed to be as advanced as countries in Europe, Motsoaledi explained.
“As is evident that is not the case. The question is why? But the fact remains that 51% of it goes to serve only 14% of the population and the nearly meagre 49% goes to serve a whopping 86% of the population.”
He told the Chairperson that this needs to “stop now” and while there is support for the NHI, there are those who do not support it in its current form.
“Fair enough, but we cannot throw the baby away with the bathwater. Let us discuss which areas need to be ironed out but let us now be obstacles to what poor people have been waiting for close to a century,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:13
Introduction Mammograms are a critical tool in the early detection of breast cancer. This blog provides essential information on mammograms, their importance, and what to expect during the screening process. What is a Mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the …
Residents of Sikiti informal settlement fear they’ll be forgotten if they agree to move to serviced sites nearby
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The new ladies’ Gumboot perfectly combines fashion with functionality, making it a staple for the all-year wardrobe. Cape Town, ~ Veldskoen Shoes ventured into new territory when they launched their latest product; The Veldskoen Gumboot on Friday. The ladies gumboot is designed to meet the demands of both urban and rural lifestyles. This is a …
Introduction Home saunas are an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of heat therapy in the comfort of your own space. This blog explores the types of saunas available, their benefits, and how to build your own DIY sauna. Types of Home Saunas There are several types of saunas to consider, each with …
In the build-up to the 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebration on 1 August 2024, some of the younger MPA community have shared their unique insights into the world of conservation. In addition to the vital contribution MPAs play in marine life protection, they also serve to create economic opportunities for local citizens, …
As the calendar turns to September, South Africans are gearing up for the annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, scheduled to take place from 16-21 September 2024. This year marks the 28th consecutive year that Plastics SA will coordinate South Africa’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-Up, the world’s largest volunteer effort dedicated to ocean …
Earlier this year, we launched our Taste Explorers Cookbook in collaboration with renowned registered dietitian Dr. Monique Piderit. Packed with over 25 nutritious recipes, it helps parents create healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their kids. Building on this success and driven by the shocking statistics of childhood obesity in South Africa, B-well …
National Assembly elects chairpersons of committees
The newly established committees of the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday elected chairpersons of some of the committees.
These committees are the engine rooms of Parliament, where, among others, the work of the executive is scrutinised.
“The elected chairpersons will play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee,” Parliament said in a statement.
They are also responsible for ensuring that committee decisions are compiled into a report and tabled in the respective House.
“The role of committees includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making,” Parliament said.
Committee meetings are generally open to the public, where ordinary South Africans can express their opinions directly and, in this way, influence the outcome of Parliament's decisions.
Portfolio Committees
According to the NA Rules, the Speaker, acting with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, must establish a range of portfolio committees and determine a name for each committee. This was done last week.
There are 30 portfolio committees. Each committee has both full members and several alternate members.
The Speaker may also determine, with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, the size (number of members per party) of the portfolio committee.
Political parties appoint the members that will represent them on a committee and advise the Speaker accordingly. Parties must appoint their members within five working days after the establishment of a committee by the House.
Only 16 of the 30 portfolio committees met to elect chairpersons on Tuesday and the remaining 14 will convene their meetings today.
The elected chairpersons are as follows:
Portfolio Committee on Health – Dr Sibongiseni Dlhomo
Standing Committee on Finance – Dr Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi
Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources - Mr Mikateko Mahlaule
Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation - Mr Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development- Mr Xola Nqola
Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour – Mr Boyce Maneli
Portfolio Committee on Public Administration- Mr Jan Naude De Villiers
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - Mr Leon Basson
Portfolio Committee on Communications and Technologies - Ms Khusela Sangoni
Portfolio Committee on Transport - Mr Selelo Selamolela
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services - Ms Anthea Ramolobeng
Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment - Ms Nqabisa Gantsho
Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans - Mr Dakota Legoete
Portfolio Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation - Ms Teliswa Mgweba
Portfolio Committee on Basic Education - Ms Khomotjo Joy Maimela
Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs - Mr Mosa Chabane
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:06
The Run for Rosa Foundation was born as a heartfelt tribute to Rosa Carlyle Mitchell, the late cousin of its founder, Stu Rayner. Rosa’s life was cut tragically short on her 21st birthday. Inspired by her memory, Rayner embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2017 – running 10 marathons in just 13 days. This incredible …
Roads closed, schools and clinics damaged, rivers burst their banks
Soweto July 2024 – Today, the children of Pimville in Soweto are celebrating as Manhattan Sweets pilots the “Manhattan Fun Lab”, a play initiative that sets out to tackle play inequity and deliver quality play opportunities for South African children living in impoverished areas. The first ever International Day of Play took place on the …
We need a new approach to policing from Minister Senzo Mchunu
Introduction Kosher certification represents a critical guide for millions of Jewish individuals around the world, dictating dietary choices based on religious laws. This blog explores the meaning, process, and types of Kosher certifications, and its impact on both consumers and food producers. Understanding Kosher Certification Kosher certification ensures that food products comply with the …
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores how mindful eating can transform your life and how you can start practising it today. “The Balanced Homebody emphasises that eating is an essential form of self-care, and with a mindful approach, we can better nourish our bodies, stop obsessing over calories, and build a …
Draft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners
The publication of the draft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners (THPs) has been welcomed.
“Since our appointment by former Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla on 13 April 2023, our priority task was to see the implementation of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 2007(Act No. 22 of 2007) realised,” the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) said in a statement.
The draft regulations published on 21 June 2024 in a Government Gazette outlines the processes which traditional health practitioners should follow in registering with the Council.
They provide the details of who qualifies to register with the Council, categories covered by the Act, registration forms, and the fees to be paid by THPs when registering with the interim council.
“It is our goal and commitment that at the proclamation of this draft regulations, all systems for registration of THPs will begin, ushering a new dawn for the recognition and professionalisation of the traditional health practice.”
The review of the draft Traditional Medicine Regulation 2015 was among the tasks the council addressed, which was submitted to the Minister for publication for public comment.
“We invite all interested persons and stakeholders within and outside the sector to submit any substantiated comments or representations on the proposed draft regulations. We also intend to provide contact consultations in all provinces to stakeholders within the sector to provide clarity where there are confusions.”
This consultation will, according to the Council, be scheduled within the months stipulated in the Gazette to offer people an opportunity to submit their comments.
The ITHPCSA was established to regulate THPs the same way other health practitioners are regulated by Councils such as the Nursing Council of South Africa (NCSA), the Pharmacy Council of South Africa (PCSA) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
“The interim Council is looking forward to constructive discussions with stakeholders and inputs from the public at large.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:23
Illegal initiation schools shut in North West clampdown
Over 100 initiates were rescued when the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) closed 17 illegal initiation schools throughout the province.
According to the provincial department, this was made possible through collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC).
“The shutting down of the schools follows the extensive oversight visits conducted by the PICC across the province, to clamp down on illegal initiation schools since the beginning of the 2024 winter initiation season in line with Section 15 of the Customary Initiation Act No 2 of 2021 (CIA),” the provincial department explained.
The committee was monitoring compliance in terms of Sections 20, 21, 23 and 24 of the CIA, verifying the qualifications and credentials of initiation school practitioners, principals, caretakers and traditional surgeons.
“They also inspected the facilities and resources to ensure they meet minimum standards as per Section 30 of the CIA.”
These operations, the department said, have ensured the safety and health of numerous young initiates.
“The PICC has opened cases at various police stations and the school principals were arrested.”
PICC Chairperson Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlho Gasebone has expressed concern over the non-compliance of the initiation school principals which resulted in the increase of illegal schools and the deaths of two initiates.
Kgosi Gasebone believes the proliferation of illegal initiations is driven by money and greed by individuals who want to extort money from the parents of initiates.
“During our capacity building session which occurred in April 2024, the PICC…[did] its best to engage the school principals across the province about the new customary initiation law and to follow it before establishing the initiations school. This was done to prevent the emergence of illegal initiation schools.
“We are happy that the school principals have been arrested and they will face the full might of the law. We will continue to work with the police to clamp down on these illegal acts until everyone follows the dictates of the CIA,” Kgosi Gasebone added.
He has also condemned the recent attack on the PICC Deputy Chairperson Andries Stemmer’s son by those running illegal initiation schools.
“This incident occurred following a community tip-off about illegal initiation schools in Lichtenburg and Coligny, where 13 initiates were found.”
Other initiatives were rescued from schools in Moretele, Motla, Makapanstad, Kromkuil, Klipgat, Kgabalatsane, Hebron, Letlhabile, Tigane, Goedgevonden, Mahikeng, Mareetsane, Coligny, Boikhutso, Makouspan and Madibogo which were shut down.
“The rescued initiates were taken to neighbouring clinics and hospitals for further check-ups and assistance.”
Gasebone maintains that no initiation school will exist without following the prescripts of the CIA, which amongst others included medical check-ups of initiates and acquiring consent from parents of initiates.
“What is happening is totally unacceptable. It is illegal and shows no regard for life. We appeal to communities to help the department and PICC stops these criminals who abduct schoolboys and initiate them without the knowledge and consent of their parents. The two deaths would have been avoidable,” said Gasebone.
Kgosi Gasebone has encouraged those who have been following the Customary Initiation Act to continue to do so and preserve this important tradition. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 13:22
US Secretary Blinken congratulates Minister Lamola on his appointment
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola and his United States of America counterpart, Anthony Blinken have recommitted to expanding and deepening the special relationship enjoyed by both nations.
“This happened during the courtesy call Minister Lamola received from Secretary Blinken congratulating him on his appointment,” the statement released by the department said.
The call follows President Joe Biden’s congratulatory call to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 2 July 2024.
“Both Minister Lamola and Secretary Blinken reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral relations between our nations as well as global peace and security,” the department said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet last week, appointing Lamola, previously the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, to replace former Minister Dr Naledi Pandor.
According to the US Department of State, Blinken called Pandor earlier this month as well.
“He expressed appreciation for their collaboration during her tenure, which included working together on global peace and security, expanding bilateral trade, advancing shared health goals, and supporting renewable energy sources to address climate change and provide reliable power,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 14:01