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Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) hosted a three-day training course in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, to teach medical professionals how to administer safer anesthesia during surgeries. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to empower medical professionals in Africa through SAFE (safer anesthetics from education) courses. These courses are designed to enhance skills in obstetric and pediatric anesthesia delivery, and critical complications management during surgeries, resulting in improved safety standards and better healthcare outcomes.
The three-day training in Pietermaritzburg forms part of a broader series of eight specialized courses scheduled to take place throughout the country. These training programs are being conducted collaboratively with the South African Department of Health (DoH), the South African Society of Anesthesiologists (SASA), and Mercy Ships. Participants will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned Mercy Ships anesthetists and SASA instructors, who have a wealth of experience in teaching SAFE courses.
Each of the courses will be conducted over a three-day period and will provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for medical professionals. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, low-tech simulations, discussions, and roleplay to ensure participants gain practical skills and knowledge. The SAFE approach incorporates Mercy Ships' expertise alongside that of local instructors. These instructors undergo a rigorous “train the trainers” program, preparing them to serve as the in-country faculty of the future.
The courses are rooted in time-tested methods and insights gleaned from SAFE courses developed by the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), ensuring the highest standards of training and education for medical professionals.
“As Mercy Ships, we are extremely proud to be a part of this transformative journey providing vital training to medical practitioners and contributing to safer anesthesia practices for the benefit of mothers and children. The support of the SASA and DoH officials has been instrumental in making these courses possible, ensuring the growth of medical capabilities and the overall well-being of patients in the region,” says Brenda van Straten, Director of Mercy Ships, South Africa.
Dr Caroline Corbett, President of SASA adds that the collaboration between the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and Mercy Ships in the delivery of these SAFE courses will have an impact on our communities and our nation well beyond the program delivery itself. “The collective investment and prioritisation of access to and training in safe, quality healthcare for our most vulnerable patients inspires hope and builds towards the sustainability of healthcare resources required for our future. SASA looks forward to many more such initiatives and proudly acknowledges our members who have selflessly contributed their time to enabling these projects through the support of Mercy Ships,” says Dr Corbett. “It is through planting these foundations of education together that we are able to grow stronger, broader healthcare services and delivery.”
“It is a privilege to be part of a team striving towards learning, improving and enhancing skills in Paediatric Anaesthesia. Knowledge changes uncertainty and fear into confident safe practices. Thank you to Mercy Ships, DOH and faculty for your support and commitment to making this course successful,” comments Dr Chantal Rajah, Facilitator of the Pietermaritzburg course.
Over the past two years, Mercy Ships has forged a dynamic partnership with SASA, addressing an urgent need within the country. This collaboration has led to the successful delivery of these courses in South Africa, empowering medical professionals to elevate their skills and bolster patient care.
All the courses are designed to enhance the skills of qualified medical professionals, ensuring safer anesthesia practices for mothers and children. Mercy Ships is fully funding these courses, and participation is offered free of charge to the attendees. Notably, the DoH has generously extended its support to ensure the success of these training programs, demonstrating its dedication to improving medical capabilities and patient safety.
The training in Pietermaritzburg was held from August 18th to 20th at Northdale Hospital. The remaining courses scheduled for this year include September 13th to 15th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; September 22nd to 24th SAFE Obs Mbombela, Mpumalanga, and December 1st to 6th SAFE Obs and Paeds, East London.
Of note, Mercy Ships successfully conducted three training courses earlier this year, reflecting its steadfast dedication to nurturing medical excellence. These courses included: February 17th to 19th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; February 27th to March 1st SAFE Obs + Training of the Trainers, Bloemfontein Kopano Nokeng; and July 28th to 30th SAFE Obs Limpopo, Polokwane, St Maria's. One of the recent courses took place at Northdale Hospital, KwaZulu Natal, where officials from the DoH, SASA, and Mercy Ships came together to support local medical professionals in their pursuit of excellence.
The ongoing partnership between Mercy Ships, SASA, and the DoH exemplifies a shared commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical capabilities across South Africa. By empowering medical professionals with specialized training, these organizations collectively strive to make a positive impact on anesthesia care ensuring safer procedures for mothers and children throughout South Africa.
For further information about the upcoming courses or to inquire about participation, please visit Mercy Ships' website https://MercyShips.co.za/. Together, we can make a significant difference, accelerating access to surgical care and surgical education and creating a brighter future for communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
For More Information Contact:
Brenda van Straten
Director, South Africa, Mercy Ships
Email: info.zaf@mercyships.org
Website: www.MercyShips.co.za
Diane Rickard
International Media Relations Manager
Mercy Ships
Email: international.media@mercyships.org
Press page: https://apo-opa.info/44mzxke
About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit MercyShips.co.za and follow @MercyShips on social media.
SA records a decrease in murder rate
Police Minister Bheki Cele says while there are still unacceptably high crime levels, violent crime levels are starting to show a decrease.
“We have analysed these recent figures and this Ministry remains persuaded, that the decision to aggressively and strategically confront crime, was the right one,” Cele said at a media briefing to announce the first quarter of the 2023/2024 crime statistics.
He said the statistics give a sober assessment of the state of crime in the country and the progress made by law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its people.
Cele said for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the murder rate had declined in a single quarter.
Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder. This was 196 less people killed compared to the same time last year. Out of the 6 228 people killed during April to June, 1 188 were women and children.
Apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.
The Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murders, while double-digit percentage declines were noted in the Limpopo and North West provinces. Murders for April to June 2023 in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5% respectively.
Apart from the drop in murder counts, notable decreases in other crime categories have also been observed during April to June this year.
These include decreases in sexual offences by 1.9%, trio crimes (car hijackings, house robberies and business robberies) declined by 5.2%.
Meanwhile, property-related crimes decreased by 4.5% and contact related crimes decreased by 1.6%.
Further declines have also been noted in rape and sexual assault counts reported to the police, in the three months of reporting. These crime categories recorded 2.8% and 3.8% decreases respectively.
“All property related crimes such as burglaries residential, burglary non-residential, stock theft, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles recorded significant declines.”
The Minister was pleased with the decline in contact-related crimes, particularly common and street robberies as well as hijackings which declined by 6.4%.
“There were over 1000 less counts of car jackings and robberies at non-residential areas in the three months of reporting. However, it does remain concerning that robberies at people's homes are still stubbornly high.
“We must strengthen policing efforts and work closer with the private security sector and community patrollers to prevent such home invasions where people are meant to be the safest,” Cele said at the briefing held in Pretoria on Friday.
Despite the reduction, police together with society must do more to protect the country’s women and children.
“The crime figures show that the majority of sexual assaults are still taking place between people that are familiar with each other. Sexual assaults are taking place in the homes of victims and perpetrators,” Cele said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:09
Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down
The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.
According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.
The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.
Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.
Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.
Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.
“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.
The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.
While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.
“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”
Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.
“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”
Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.
Police killings
However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.
He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.
“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.
He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.
“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”
Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.
The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.
“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.
“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30
A group of organisations have created successful small projects, but now they want to aim bigger
The National Movement of Rural Women (NMRW) joins members of the South African press and public in celebrating Women’s Day on the 09 August 2023. The National Movement of Rural Women (NMRW) is a social movement that advocates for constitutional concerns of rural women and communities and procures funds for existing community projects to sustain …
The Girls Trip, Moments to melt into AERO’s #momentstomeltinto campaign is championing sisterhood this Women’s Month Sisterhood – there is nothing quite like it. You know, your group of friends who would go to war for you. The ones who are there for you through the thick and thin of life. A bond like no …
The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges
Today the DA will start to conduct a series of oversights to various schools in the provinces that are still forced to use dangerous pit toilets, a decade after the Minimum Norms and Standards were first gazetted. Despite the Department of Basic Education (DBE) launching two programmes to eradicated pit toilets and other unsafe infrastructure …
“The municipality must fix these streets because we cannot live like this”