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The ongoing sewer blockages at the corner of Monticello and Flower Street in Wesbank have moved beyond routine service failure. They now constitute a serious public health and economic emergency affecting some of the most vulnerable residents in the community.
The post WESBANK SEWER CRISIS HAS ESCALATED INTO A PUBLIC HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EMERGENCY appeared first on For Good.
The late Presley Chweneyagae’s home was bought with funds meant for an anti-drug themed musical
The City of Cape Town's decision to procure a new fleet of diesel buses, using more polluting Euro V diesel, for the upcoming Metro South East Corridor (MSEC) raises serious environmental justice concerns for communities already burdened by poor air quality.
The post CITY’S DIESEL BUS PROCUREMENT DEEPENS ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUALITY ON THE CAPE FLATS appeared first on For Good.
Public ponds, fountains and new reflective buildings are needed to protect Yaoundé’s people from the heat island effect.
It is ironic that the Ekurhuleni Metro celebrates World Environment Health Day on 25 and 26 September with the theme “Clean Air, Healthy People” while residents are struggling to breathe due to the high levels of air pollution in the Metro. Instead of clean air and accessible healthcare, residents’ daily lives are severely impacted by […]
The post Ekurhuleni celebrates “clean air” while pollution has residents struggling for breath appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Ha Tšosane community has been fighting to close and relocate the dump for years
The residents of Klerksoord in Pretoria North should no longer have to endure the excessive air pollution caused by a tyre recycling operation in the area that is failing to comply with municipal health and environmental regulations. The operation’s air pollution was brought to a head on 16 August when a fire broke out at […]
The post Burning tyres hazardous to Klerksoord residents’ health appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Starvation causes both physiological and psychological stress.
Delays by the multi-billion rand Tshiamiso Trust have meant 84% of lodged claims have not received compensation
African environment ministers meet in Kenya next week
GOOD Statement by Suzette Little,GOOD Deputy Secretary-General & City of Cape Town Caucus Chairperson 01 July 2025 Communities across Cape Town are speaking out against what they describe as the City’s selective enforcement of municipal by-laws, accusing officials of prioritising media appearances over fair and consistent service delivery. Recent events have highlighted a troubling pattern […]
The post DOUBLE STANDARDS IN BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT FUEL GROWING DISTRUST AMONG CAPE TOWN RESIDENTS appeared first on For Good.
“The City should stop calling us illegal occupants and give us services”
NICD warns of increase in cases of respiratory diphtheria
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged citizens to check their children’s vaccination status due to a rise in diphtheria cases in the country.
Since the beginning of 2025, up until 23 March, diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been confirmed in 40 people in South Africa.
Of these cases, 19 exhibited symptoms, while 21 were asymptomatic.
“These asymptomatic individuals were carriers identified during contact tracing,” the statement read.
According to data from the NICD, there were 15 reported cases of respiratory diphtheria in the Western Cape, two cases in Gauteng, three cases in Mpumalanga, and one probable case in Limpopo.
Laboratory tests did not confirm the case from Limpopo, but the person exhibited symptoms consistent with respiratory diphtheria.
Over 78% of the cases have occurred in adults aged 18 and older.
Among the symptomatic cases, the public health institute said it was important to note that nine people have died, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27% (nine out of 33 cases) since the beginning of 2024.
“Adults who have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the last 10 years are urged to seek vaccination at a clinic or with their usual healthcare provider.
“Pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine with each pregnancy to protect the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”
Diphtheria is a contagious, severe, vaccine-preventable illness usually associated with a sore throat, fever, and large, swollen glands in the neck.
The NICD said this illness is sometimes called a “bull neck”, and on examining a patient, the doctor will see a characteristic adherent membrane over the tonsils and the throat, also known as a “pseudomembrane”.
“If not treated early, the public health institute said diphtheria causes difficulty in breathing and can lead to complete blockage of the airway and death. The organism also produces a toxin that affects the heart muscle, kidneys, and nervous system, leading to life-threatening illness.”
Treatment is with diphtheria antitoxin to neutralise the toxin produced by the bacterium and appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the organism, which should be given early to be effective.
The NICD is encouraging doctors and healthcare workers to be on high alert for suspected diphtheria cases and are urged to report cases on the Notifiable Medical Condition app or the NICD website.
The NICD said the best protection against diphtheria is vaccination.
Infant vaccine is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses at 18 months and six and 12 years.
The available vaccines include Dt (diphtheria and tetanus) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough). – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:41
443 views
Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second meeting of the G20 Health Working Group today in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister used the platform to highlight South Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which aims to provide financial protection and efficient resource utilisation.
“In South Africa, we are actively pursuing transformation to achieve universal health coverage through our NHI system.
“The NHI is designed to provide financial protection for all, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not dependent on one’s ability to pay [for] it, and it will also assist in the efficient utilisation of our resources by pulling funds and strategically purchasing services.”
Motsoaledi cited data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which indicate that the number of people shielded from catastrophic health spending had been steadily increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then, about 100 million people have fallen back into financial hardship due to health-related expenses.
Motsoaledi believes that the NHI is a concrete demonstration of government’s commitment to leaving no one behind, and fostering and strengthening the resilience of the health system.
The Minister quoted the late Harvard Department of Anthropology’s Professor Paul Farmer on the value of all lives and urged G20 members to increase public financing of health systems as a fundamental investment.
“I want to quote the idea that 'some lives matter less' is the root of all that is wrong with the world.
“We implore all G20 members to champion increased public financing of health systems.
“This is not merely a budgetary issue; it’s a fundamental investment in our collective future.”
Motsoaledi urged attendees to prioritise public health over competing interests, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to meet the health needs of the nation’s populations.
“Furthermore, we must all align our efforts beyond financing. We must address the persistent health inequities that plague our world.”
Non-communicable diseases
Motsoaledi highlighted the importance of addressing health inequities, particularly in low and middle-income countries, and the need for multilateral approaches to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
He said the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is seen as a crucial opportunity to galvanise global action against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
“We must alleviate the financial burden, restrict unhealthy food marketing, finance emergency health services, and accelerate cervical cancer elimination, the only cancer which is preventable.”
The theme of the three-day meeting is: “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.
Along with this meeting, a co-sponsored event focused on eliminating cervical cancer, is also taking place.
“We must move beyond dialogue and commit to concrete steps. South Africa is committed to collaborating with all the G20 members to achieve our shared goals.
“Let us work together to ensure that health remains a priority, not a commodity, especially during these unstable economic times,” Motsoaledi added.
South Africa, which assumed the G20 Presidency in December, is currently hosting various working groups and ministerial meetings throughout the country.
These meetings are focused on key topics such as health, employment, trade, tourism, and the digital economy -- all in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November this year.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes two regional bodies – the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:43
166 views
Incidence of occupational lung diseases remains high among SA miners
The incidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and silicosis among gold miners remains high, but recent years have seen a slow decline in the rates of both diseases, according to a recent study.
The findings from the study titled “Surveillance of Occupational Lung Diseases at Autopsy in South African Miners, 2021” suggest that this drop may be attributed to improved silica dust control measures, better living conditions, and the rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ARTs).
The study is based on the annual Pathology Computerised Pathology Automation System (PATHAUT) surveillance report.
The Pathology Division of the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), examines the cardiorespiratory organs of deceased miners and ex-miners.
According to the lead author Thembi Mashele the research aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational respiratory diseases in miners at autopsy in 2021 and highlight key trends for South Africa.
In 2021, 546 cardiorespiratory organs from deceased miners and former miners in South Africa were examined.
The autopsies were conducted on 303 (55.5%) Black miners, 241 (44.1%) White miners, and two (0.4%) mixed-race miners.
The miners had an average age of 51.6 years, while White miners were slightly older than the Black miners.
Most of the cases came from Gauteng, followed by the North West province.
The deceased miners worked in various mining sectors, with the majority having experience in the gold mining industry.
Emphysema, active PTB, and silicosis were the most frequently occurring occupational diseases diagnosed at autopsy.
The research revealed that the current active PTB rate was 137 cases per 1 000 autopsies, higher than the 1995 rate of 93 per 1 000.
Rates of silicosis in Black and White miners remained above 200 per 1 000 as compared to 182 per 1 000 in 1995.
Research revealed that the number of autopsies conducted at the NIOH has declined over the years, peaking in 1995 with 4 003 cases compared to 546 in 2021.
The study also found that there has been a drop in the number of miners coming to autopsy, which may reduce access to compensation for families.
“This decrease also hinders the documentation of detailed findings for the surveillance and research of respiratory diseases associated with mining and environmental exposures.”
Mashele stated that asbestos mining ended in South Africa in 2002. However, due to the long latency of asbestos-related diseases, we can expect respiratory issues among miners exposed to asbestos for some time to come.
Meanwhile, environmental asbestos exposure-related cases will also be expected as asbestos remains in the environment and buildings.
The lead author stated that the government provides compensation to the families of deceased miners who have been diagnosed with certified compensable diseases.
These include silicosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, mixed dust fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, PTB, asbestos-related diseases, and progressive systemic sclerosis excluding skin-related conditions.
“Due to a decline in numbers seen over the years, we hope to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the public about the surveillance of occupational respiratory diseases and the key trends observed since 1975.”
Since 1975, demographic information, clinical causes of death, occupational histories, and pathological findings related to the cardiorespiratory organs of all examined miners and former miners have been documented in a computerised PATHAUT database.
By the end of 2021, this database contained a total of 115 339 records.
The study has recommended a continued policy implementation to control dust in the mining industry – leading to reductions in the incidence of occupational respiratory diseases.
Meanwhile, the researchers said the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organisation’s Global Programme for the Elimination of Silicosis efforts to eradicate silicosis by 2030 should be complied with by the mining sector.
In addition, to adhere to requirements, they suggest that employers should continuously perform air monitoring and submit regular reports to the Department of Mineral Resources.
“The ongoing systematic monitoring of trends will support the evaluation of interventions and the attribution of research in respiratory diseases confounded by smoking for compensation.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 13:47
128 views
Kenneth Shelembe says he makes a living wage through the Nquthu Waste Management Project
NICD calls for calm amidst reported HMPV cases in China
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued a statement assuring the public that there is no need to panic about the reported cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
“This commonly occurring virus causes respiratory illness and is in the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV is detected all year round in South Africa as one of the regular seasonal respiratory viruses,” said the NICD, a division of the National Laboratory Service.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, much like RSV and influenza.
HMPV is mostly associated with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and possibly a fever. In most cases, these symptoms resolve within a few days.
In some instances, HMPV may also cause infection in the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis/bronchiolitis or pneumonia).
“HMPV is typically detected less commonly among patients presenting for care with respiratory illness compared to influenza or RSV, but this can vary depending on the time of year.
“People who are at risk of the virus are infants who are under six months of age (specifically those who are born prematurely), older people, people with comorbidities such as chronic lung and heart disease, those with conditions that affect the immune system (such as HIV), and people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing severe illness,” said the NICD.
It said, as with most respiratory viral illnesses, there was no specific treatment for HMPV.
Treatment of mild illness would include symptomatic relief, such as rest, medicines for pain and fever. People should also remain at home while ill to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
Should symptoms not resolve within 3 to 5 days or become severe (difficulty breathing, fever not settling), people should seek care at a clinic or general practitioner.
More severe illnesses would be managed supportively with admission to the hospital for monitoring, supplementary oxygen and fluids as needed.
The NICD said vaccines for HMPV are in the late stages of development.
“There is also a combination vaccine (for HMPV and RSV) in development. These will likely be available in the next few years.”
The NICD has robust surveillance systems across South Africa, which will be able to detect an increase in respiratory pathogen circulation, and their laboratory has the capability to test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses.
“Many private laboratories in South Africa can also test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses. In addition, in August 2024, multidisciplinary and multilevel stakeholders convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in a tabletop simulation exercise to test and refine the draft National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Plan.
“Simulation exercises are essential for countries to test and validate their preparedness and response mechanisms for public health emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 10:06
In response to high rates of heroin use, the government will pilot an opioid agonist therapy program
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 11th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, under the patronage of The President of Tanzania, and in partnership with the Government of Tanzania on 29th and 30th October, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania together with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, along with First Ladies of 15 Countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
While inaugurating the conference, The President of United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN emphasized “I am delighted to host this prestigious conference in Tanzania. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. I am certain that this conference will help us to achieve our shared mission — to make a transformation in the health and well-being of our people. I deeply appreciate the programs of Merck Foundation that are building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education.”
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary emphasized, “I am delighted to have Her Excellency, Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, inaugurate our annual conference. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our partner, the Government of Tanzania, for their unwavering support in making it a success. Moreover, I am honored to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, also the Ambassadors of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. Together, we shared experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness on a wide range of critical social and health issues."
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “I would like to thank H.E. Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of Tanzania, our partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, along with African Ministers, Health Experts, Policy Makers, Government Officials, Academia and Media from over 70 countries for joining hands with us to realize the Merck Foundation's vision that “Everyone can lead a Healthy and Happy life.”
The First Ladies of 15 Countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers are:
“I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2080 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialties such as Oncology and Cancer care, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Urology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, Trauma & Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neonatal Care, Pain Management, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Advanced Surgical Practice, Neuroimaging for Research and more. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries”, added Senator Kelej.
During the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, two important occasions were marked; the 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 12 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012.
On the first day of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024 took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, two high-level ministerial panel discussion were held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.
The Day 2 of the conference will have five key parallel medical and scientific sessions, covering topics such as oncology, diabetes and hypertension, fertility and reproductive care, and medical capacity building in other specialties like respiratory care, acute care, emergency pediatric and neonatal care, and more. Additionally, a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training, will be conducted for African journalists. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.
Countries participating in the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary include:
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
The 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024 is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3Yq65sX), X (http://apo-opa.co/40p49nc), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3Uwqqvl), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3NLGJAS).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3Uulqrf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3Yq65Jt), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/40krkip), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/40nOp3t).
Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary & African First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/40tsLex
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
• 2080+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
• 3500+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs,
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese
• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
• Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
• 700+ Girls from 15 African countries supported through scholarships or school items, annually.
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 6 Million Followers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3NLGJAS
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/40njaFK
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3UrWznZ), X (https://apo-opa.co/3NLcqtQ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3UtDmlT), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3UqOAaF), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3UvSCP8) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3Yo1jfw).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Saunas have long been associated with relaxation, health benefits, and overall wellness. Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day or seeking to improve your health, investing in a sauna can provide the perfect solution. For those in Cape Town and Johannesburg, home saunas have become increasingly popular, providing the convenience …
Johannesburg, South Africa – July 10, 2024 – CoreLife Medical, a leading provider of medical oxygen solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its newly designed website. The revamped online platform offers an enhanced user experience and streamlined access to a comprehensive range of oxygen concentrators, cylinders, and accessories. The new website reflects CoreLife …
Rising deaths due to non-communicable diseases a concern
The rapid increase in diabetes, particularly affecting women, is a cause for concern, says Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla.
“When looking at gender-specific causes of death, diabetes mellitus is the leading underlying cause of female deaths at 8.2% which increased from 7.7% in 2018. The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning,” he said on Monday.
Phaahla was speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), a collaboration between national research funding agencies in Canada, China, India, South Africa and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He took the time to outline government’s plans to address the burden of the emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pandemic, otherwise known as lifestyle diseases.
Diabetes was the second leading underlying cause of death in 2020, accounting for 6.6% of all deaths. COVID-19, first detected that year, became the leading cause of death.
“Non-communicable diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also have a profound economic impact, straining both individuals and our healthcare system.
“We must recognise the gravity of this burden which is deeply interconnected with factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking and social and commercial determinants of health,” he told delegates.
The Deputy Minister told the attendees that the department’s primary focus is prevention and it has implemented campaigns aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
In addition, he said early detection of NCDs is key to effective management.
The department has rolled out community-based screening campaigns through community health workers (CHWs) and traditional health practitioners (THPs) targeting the early detection of hypertension and diabetes.
“Our focus is not limited to the detection of diseases but also includes education on risk factors and lifestyle modifications that can prevent the progression of these conditions.”
According to the Deputy Minister, the department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with parkrun South Africa to encourage communities to walk, jog or run on weekends.
However, at the heart of the NCDs response is strengthening the country’s primary healthcare (PHC) services.
“PHC facilities across the country are being equipped to manage and monitor patients with chronic conditions effectively. The department is working to ensure that treatment for NCDs is both accessible and affordable.”
He mentioned regulatory interventions such as the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, implemented to reduce premature death from NCDs.
There are also regulations relating to trans-fats in foodstuffs which prohibit the sale, manufacture and importation of oils and fats, including continuous phase emulsions, either alone or as part of processed foods.
There are regulations concerning food for infants and young children, as well as the reduction of sodium in certain food items to help lower salt intake to less than 5g per day.
“Excessive salt intake is associated with hypertension which is the second leading cause of death in South Africa and hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.”
Phaahla believes the battle against lifestyle diseases is far from over. However, with the right interventions and a collective effort from all sectors of society, he is of the view that it can reduce the burden in the country.
“The findings of Statistics South Africa survey that deaths due to major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa increased over 20 years, should be a concern for all of us.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:52
Ketamine can be life-saving or lethal The anaesthetic drug ketamine can bring life-saving hope for people suffering treatment-resistant major depression or at severe risk of suicide, but unsupervised use or excessive dosages hold addictive and even lethal risks. This is the warning sounded by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) against the “recreational” or …
Department calls for child immunisation against rubella as cases rise
The Department of Health has urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date with vaccination schedules against serious diseases that are prevented by vaccines as the country is experiencing an increase in rubella cases in some provinces.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has alerted the department of the notable rising number of rubella cases in various parts of Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus.
According to the department, it is usually a mild disease in children and adults but can have serious consequences in pregnant women by infecting their unborn babies and causing congenital rubella syndrome.
“The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy.”
The department said it generally causes a mild illness in children and adults, characterised by a low-grade fever, rash, and sometimes joint pain.
It can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus, resulting in death, miscarriages, stillbirth or severe birth defects in infants.
The department explained that the incubation period of rubella ranges from 14 to 21 days.
In recent weeks, the department said it has received enquiries following the closure of schools in the Northern Cape after a rubella case was detected amongst school learners.
“Although proactive and effective measures to prevent further spread of the disease are always recommended, the school closure should only be implemented as the last resort after all measures have been employed.
“Children who develop symptoms including nausea, sore throat, red eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, compatible with rubella should be treated symptomatically and remain away from school until they recover.”
According to the department, all suspected rubella cases should be reported to the nearest health facility or healthcare provider, who will then notify the department using the Notifiable Medical Conditions reporting platforms.
In the meantime, the department is currently rolling out the measles-rubella vaccine as part of the Expanded Programme of Immunisation.
“This combined vaccine replaces the standalone measles vaccine and is administered at six and 12 months of age. In the private sector, rubella protection is included in the MMR [measles, mumps, rubella] vaccine, which is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 14:55