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United Nation migration agency issues $18.5 million appeal to prepare for mpox ‘surge’
Migrants and other marginalized and highly mobile populations including those uprooted from their homes by natural emergencies and conflict are far more prone to infection because of poor living conditions and the “significant barriers” many often encounter in seeking help, explained the International Organization for Migration.
“The spread of mpox across East, Horn and Southern Africa is a grave concern, especially for the vulnerable migrant, highly mobile populations and displaced communities often overlooked in such crises,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. “We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region.”
Migration hub
Mpox has affected people in the African region for more than a decade, the UN agency said, noting that the Horn, eastern and southern Africa region hosts 12.2 million international migrants – nearly half of all migrants in Africa.
Highlighting data from the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the IOM noted that by 8 August, of the 12 African countries that reported an outbreak, six were from those regions. As of July, new cases emerged in previously unaffected Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, with cross-border infection cited as a factor in the spread of disease.
The IOM appeal for 13 countries – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - is intended to support infection-prevention, control and response measures, particularly at border crossings. It will help to fund awareness-raising activities among migrant and host communities, along with internally displaced persons.
“This preparedness and response plan aims to prepare for and respond to the anticipated surge in Mpox cases and mitigate the spread and the likely negative impacts of the virus spreading throughout the region,” the UN agency said.
Disease focus
IOM noted that the region's role as an “origin, destination and transit hub” for migrants could hinder disease prevention, adding that plans were in place to continue building the capacity of national healthcare workers and frontline responders, while also enabling the identification of high-risk areas to ensure effective monitoring of the disease and reduce its spread from country to country.
“Vulnerable populations such as migrants and IDPs impacted by mpox, or at risk of being affected, must receive the necessary healthcare and protection, particularly in regions where access to such services is limited and have a high number of migrants and displaced populations,” IOM said in a statement.
International health threat
The UN agency's announcement comes one week since the UN World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, following the rapid spread of a new strain of the disease known as clade 1b from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Clade 1b is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, although the WHO said on Tuesday that more research was needed into other potential modes of infection from the blisters that are associated with the disease, such as contaminated bedding.
Latest WHO data indicates more than 15,000 suspected cases in the DRC including 537 deaths so far. The global total of mpox cases is more than 100,000.
The disease is known to transmit from animals to humans and spread by close contact with infected individuals or animals through respiratory droplets, blood, body fluids, or lesions. Symptoms include fever, rash, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and backache.
Here's our UN News explainer on the key facts you need to know about mpox.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
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Scaling up response to curb growing mpox outbreak in African region
As the mpox outbreak that has affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spread to neighbouring countries continues to grow, World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying support to countries to scale up measures to curb the virus and save lives.
On the advice of independent experts of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, WHO Director-General has determined that the upsurge of mpox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The emergence of a new strain of the mpox virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its rapid spread, including to neighbouring countries, is one of the main reasons for the declaration of the PHEIC, the second such determination in two years relating to the disease.
So far this year, more than 2100 laboratory-confirmed cases and 13 deaths have been reported from 12 countries (Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda) compared with 1145 confirmed cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023 reported from 11 countries.
“We are hard at work on the frontlines of the response, collaborating closely with governments and communities to strengthen mpox control measures and are ramping up efforts to curb the widening trend of the virus through coordinated action with partners and national authorities,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
WHO is stepping up support to the affected countries by deploying additional experts, including epidemiologists and anthropologists, and providing initial funding to accelerate outbreak response measures. Efforts are also underway to enhance cross-border collaboration for case investigation, contact tracing and community engagement to ensure compliance with preventive measures.
The Organization also supporting national regulatory authorities to speed up regulatory approvals, as well as providing guidance to national immunization technical advisory groups to ensure readiness for vaccine rollout. WHO has triggered the process for Emergency Use Listing for mpox vaccines, which will accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries which have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval. Emergency Use Listing also enables partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF to procure vaccines for distribution.
Efforts are also being ramped up to strengthen national diagnostic capacities by providing testing kits and reagents and machines to decentralize testing. Genomic sequencing is also ongoing to determine the mpox clades.
To enhance preparedness in countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo and those at risk, disease surveillance and training of frontline health workers is being stepped up as well as public awareness campaigns.
Caused by an Orthopoxvirus, mpox was first detected in humans in 1970, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The disease is considered endemic to countries in central and west Africa. Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread from humans to humans through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
African region faces an unprecedent surge in mpox cases
The African region is experiencing an unprecedented increase in mpox cases since the start of 2024, with more countries previously unaffected by the disease reporting cases in an expanding spread of the virus.
World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the mpox outbreak response to the highest-level requiring organization-wide mobilization and scale-up. In addition, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency committee of experts meeting to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Fifteen African countries are currently reporting mpox outbreak, with a total of 2030 confirmed cases and 13 deaths so far this year compared with 1145 cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023. Four countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – previously unaffected by mpox have reported cases since mid-July 2024.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for more than 90% of the reported cases, a new variant that emerged in September 2023 is circulating in its eastern region. Neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda have reported cases of the new variant. Kenya has also confirmed cases of the new variant. Analysis are ongoing in Burundi to determine whether the reported cases are due to the new variant.
“The priority is to rapidly interrupt the transmission of the virus. We're collaborating with partners in support of countries to reinforce outbreak control measures and ensure that communities are central to ongoing efforts to effectively end these outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The pattern of transmission varies across the region, with the spread of new variant (known as clade 1b) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to transmission through sexual contact and high population movement, while in South Africa most of the cases are among people identifying as men having sex with men. Transmission in West and Central Africa is associated with the 2022 global outbreak. However, further analysis is required to better understand the patterns of transmission to refine the response to the outbreak.
WHO is working at the global, regional and national levels as well as with partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and others to ensure effective response to the outbreak.
In the African region, WHO is working through country teams and experts deployed on the ground to support national authorities strengthen key response areas, including disease surveillance, diagnosis testing and clinical care, infection prevention and control. WHO is working with the health authorities to access therapeutics, decentralize laboratory services for enhanced diagnostic capacities, and ramp up efforts to raise awareness about the risk of the disease among communities.
Field investigation and active case finding are also being reinforced in the affected and at-risk countries. The Organization is coordinating closely to enhance contact tracing, leveraging experience from prior outbreaks to ensure interventions best support and elevate the needs of key populations. WHO is also mobilizing financial support to help countries effectively respond to the outbreak.
WHO is advancing the process for Emergency Use Listing Procedure, an approach to assess and list unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to expediting their availability for use during public health emergencies. The Organization is already working closely with countries to develop their vaccination strategies and plans, to roll out the vaccines as soon as they are available. Vaccines are one among many public health tools that are used to control mpox.
Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. The disease can also spread from humans to humans through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Treatment of mpox patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms. Various therapeutics that may be effective against mpox are being developed and tested. Prevention and control of rely on raising awareness in communities and educating health workers to prevent infection and stop transmission.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
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SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme
SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme
Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced a new programme to foster cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) between South Africa and war-torn Palestine.
“The programme will also have a special focus support for safeguarding, rebuilding, and developing Palestine’s research and innovation capacities and infrastructure,” Nzimande explained on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, the decision was made following a series of collaborations between the two nations.
These include a joint research project, seed funding for developing South African–Palestinian knowledge networks, the hosting of Palestinian scholars and students in South Africa in exchange programmes and sharing South African policy experience regarding science policy and system development.
The Minister, delivering his 2024/25 Budget Vote, stated that the programme aligns with the department’s strategic objective of using science diplomacy to foster human solidarity, and social justice, and support the country’s foreign policy.
“This new programme will be implemented by our entity the NRF [National Research Foundation] and will be funded from the department’s existing budget for international cooperation,” he told Members of Parliament (MPs).
Vaccines
For the 2024/25 financial year, the department experienced a budget cut, which was adjusted to R10 562 billion from R10 874 billion in 2023/24.
“I am honoured to be delivering the first Budget Vote of the Department of Science and Innovation, under the seventh administration, in the same year we celebrate 30 years of democracy.
“In these 30 years, our country has made tremendous strides in science, technology, and innovation,” he added.
He highlighted some of the achievements under the previous administration, which he believes have laid a foundation for deepening work in the new government.
This includes a new Vaccine Manufacturing Strategy (VIMS) to promote domestic design, development and production of vaccines.
Through VIMS, the department targeted vaccine development to fight the Rift Valley fever (RVF), human papillomavirus (HPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the hepatitis B virus.
Working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), government also set up capacity for the local development of mRNA vaccines in response to future Coronavirus threats.
Hydrogen economy
Nzimande also touched on the hydrogen economy, which was specifically referenced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) last Thursday.
“The DSI is leading major innovations to promote the transition to green hydrogen as an alternative source of energy to fuel our economy and to facilitate a net-zero energy future,” he explained.
In 2023/24, they also provided R53 million as an initial investment to support women-led small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in the hydrogen economy.
Achievements
A national solar research facility was also established by the government to enable localisation and technology transfer in support of the Cannabis Industrialisation Masterplan and the Renewable Energy Masterplan.
“Arising from this, it is pleasing to report that the CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research] graduated 23 SMMEs with two commercial value-added products each.”
The Minister also highlighted the role of the department in leading scientific and technological advancements in the field of astronomy, particularly in the construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is poised to become the world’s biggest-ever radio telescope array.
In the area of agro-processing and farmer development in the 2023/24 period, the department provided 1 480 black emerging farmers with technology development support.
New growth industries
Building on the successes of the sixth administration, the Minister said they remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of existing businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing and mining sectors and supporting the development of new growth industries.
“STI is also about transforming the socio-economic conditions of working-class communities in townships and rural areas.”
He also touched on the Mandela Mining Precinct, a public-private partnership between the DSI and the Minerals Council of South Africa aimed at revitalising mining research, development and innovation to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
As part of building a capable State, he said his department has begun establishing an Earth Observation Data Centre to provide decision support tools for government in fire and flood mapping, food security monitoring, human settlements mapping, forest mapping, disaster management, climate change and water resources management.
In addition, he told Parliament that government was looking at ways of raising gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) equal to 1.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030/31.
“Our challenges notwithstanding, we present this budget as our commitment to transform our National System of Innovation and using science, technology, and innovation to impact the lives of our people in a transformative way,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 13:15
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Everything you need to know about Mpox disease
Everything you need to know about Mpox disease
As the number of Mpox cases continues to rise, the Department of Health has urged everyone with symptoms to immediately visit their nearest healthcare facilities for help.
This week, this department announced that the country recorded three more infections and one death.
The latest figure pushes the total infections to 16 and three deaths since the first case was reported last month.
Of the 16 infections, eight are from KwaZulu-Natal, seven are from Gauteng, and one is from the Western Cape.
All individuals involved in the cases are male and aged between 23 and 43 years old.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
It can be transmitted to a person through contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.
Person-to-person transmission of the virus could be through close contact, which can be via prolonged face-to-face contact, kissing, sharing clothes or bedding with someone who is infected.
Entry of the virus is through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a person is contagious from the onset of the rash or lesions through the scab stage. However, once all scabs have fallen off, a person is no longer contagious.
Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes.
Anyone can contract the disease regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race.
Most people with Mpox will recover within two to four weeks.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease include fever and headache.
Other symptoms are:
- muscle aches
- backache
- chills
- exhaustion
- swelling of lymph nodes as well as
- skin lesions or rash that usually develops between one to three days and spread all over the body.
Diagnosis
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), identifying Mpox can be difficult as other infections and conditions can look similar.
However, the WHO said it was crucial to differentiate Mpox from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmissible infections, and medication-associated allergies.
Mpox’s rash begins as a flat sore, which develops into a blister, filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful.
In addition, the agency said that people with the disease may also have another sexually transmissible infection such as herpes, while a child with a suspected infection may also have chickenpox. It is for this reason that the WHO believes testing is key for people to get treatment as early as possible and prevent the further spread.
Self-care and prevention
The WHO is recommending steps to take to help the symptoms and prevent infecting others. These are:
- Stay at home and in your room if possible.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially before or after touching sores.
- Wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals.
- Keep skin dry and uncovered unless in a room with someone else.
- Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently.
- Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth.
- Take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores.
- Take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Department of Health's response
The department, working with provinces and other stakeholders in the sector, has embarked on health education with funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains of suspected and confirmed cases.
It has also urged travellers from Mpox endemic countries to seek healthcare if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance.
Citizens are also encouraged to support all those who are showing symptoms to present at their nearest healthcare facilities immediately for screening and diagnosis, instead of self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medication.
Last week, the department said it has received a batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat – also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications because of Mpox disease.
The department said it is in the process of securing more treatment, including vaccines.
However, according to the department, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 06/27/2024 - 12:03
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SA records second death from Mpox, with six known positive cases
SA records second death from Mpox, with six known positive cases
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced a second death linked to Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the government provided an update on its efforts to control the spread of the infectious disease.
According to the department, the deceased was a 38-year-old male patient, who was admitted at a local hospital in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal.
The patient tested positive for Mpox on Wednesday after presenting with extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain, and a sore throat.
“The patient has unfortunately demised in KwaZulu-Natal the same day his test results came back positive,” the statement read on Thursday.
The deceased is said to have been living with HIV and listed his residential address as Brakpan in Gauteng.
This brings the total number of positive cases in the country from five to six, and two deaths within five weeks.
“The department is working closely with both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Departments of Health to investigate the case. Further updates and reports will be provided once the investigation has been concluded.”
Data shows that the sequencing results for the first three cases, sequence typed as clade ll b, the same as the sub-lineage responsible for the multi-country outbreak, which began in 2022 and has since spread to over 100 countries.
Phaahla emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, timely presentation at a health facility for early diagnosis, effective treatment in the case of suspected symptoms, and close physical contact with a known case.
“Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease if diagnosed early. People are urged to avoid physical contact with someone who has Mpox, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.”
The department is also warning patients to avoid contact with immunocompromised people, children or pregnant women, who may be at higher risk of severe symptoms if exposed.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, the Minister said there was currently no registered treatment for Mpox in South Africa.
However, he said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends using Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, for treating severe cases, such as in individuals with a CD4 count of less than 350.
He announced that the department has obtained TPOXX via Section 21 South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) approval on a compassionate use basis for known patients with severe disease.
The Minister said they are still looking at obtaining vaccines and considering various options, including who will be the priority target in terms of immunisation.
Government is also looking at immunising sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), healthcare workers, and laboratory workers.
The department, working together with partner organisations, has intensified both targeted and public awareness to empower citizens with crucial information related to Mpox.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of managing stigma for key populations at risk, while there have been no recommendations for any travel restrictions.
“I think one can safely say that, especially for adults, anybody who develops those kinds of eruptions on their skin, even if you may think it might be chickenpox, even young people, should seek medical attention,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:18
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SA records two more monkeypox disease cases
SA records two more monkeypox disease cases
The Department of Health is appealing to citizens who have been in close contact with known or suspected patients of monkeypox disease, also known as Mpox, to go to their nearest health facility.
This is after the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) detected two more cases of Mpox this week at Addington and St Augustine Hospitals in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The preliminary case finding report has revealed that the two recent cases had contact with the other previously confirmed case in the province, and this suggests that there is a local transmission of the disease, which could potentially lead to a larger outbreak in the province,” the department said in a statement.
This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections in the country to four, with three in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Gauteng.
READ | SA records second case of Mpox
According to the data, all the patients are South African males in their mid to late 30s.
The department said close contact with lesions, sexual contact, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding transmit the Mpox virus from one person to another.
The incubation period of Mpox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.
“The health officials rely on transparency and cooperation from cases or patients for contact tracing and case finding to determine the rate of transmission of this infectious virus at community level.”
The department said they were pleased by the patients’ honesty and courage during the investigation process and thanked them for assisting officials in tracing suspected cases who also tested positive.
“It is through transparency of both confirmed and suspected cases that government can prevent further transmission and avoidable deaths.”
Meanwhile, the department in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sector is intensifying epidemiology and surveillance, and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) activities.
“These will also help to address social stigma, which contributes to people’s decision not to openly speak out because they suspect communities will not accept them due to their health conditions.”
In most cases, the department said stigma contributes to the spread of the virus thereby making the outbreak and transmission worse.
Symptoms
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.
“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal regions,” the department explained.
However, the department has urged the public not to panic because the situation remains under control and that they will keep the public informed of the situation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:55
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Phaahla makes his mark
Phaahla makes his mark
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, was one of the thousands of citizens who cast their special vote on Monday.
Yesterday, South Africa marked the first official voting day locally, with special votes continuing today.
Voters living abroad have already cast their votes.
READ | Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Phaahla said all went well as he made his mark around 1pm at his home village of Ga-Phaahla, under the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo.
He urged all South Africans approved for special votes to make use of this opportunity, especially the elderly and the infirm.
Domestic special votes are for those who are either infirm or have impaired mobility, who will be visited by the IEC at their home or place of confinement, and also for those who wish to cast their vote early, as they may not be able to access their voting station on general Election Day on 29 May 2024.
Phaahla appealed to the public, who will be voting on Wednesday, to observe non-pharmaceutical interventions at voting stations, as the country is experiencing respiratory infections such as flu, to prevent further transmission.
Phaahla encouraged those who feel vulnerable to wear a mask when going to voting stations.
Voting stations are expected to receive high volumes of people.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported good progress in the execution of the first day of the special votes.
As of 2pm on Monday, an estimated 201 794 voting station visits of special votes were processed at 22 626 service points.
According to the IEC, all special votes collected will be stored securely overnight and will be transported to voting stations on 29 May to be opened, reconciled and added to the ordinary ballots cast on Wednesday before counting begins.
Over 1.6 million South Africans have been approved to vote via special ballots.
Those who applied to cast a special vote at their voting station must do so between 9am and 5pm.
Voters are reminded that these are different from the voting hours of 7am to 9pm on Election Day and that they must have their identity documents as a requirement for participation.
After casting votes, the ballots must be inserted in an unmarked envelope, which in turn will be inserted in a second envelope with details of the voter. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 11:36
307 views
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High-risk people encouraged to get flu vaccination
High-risk people encouraged to get flu vaccination
As South Africa enters the winter season, Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has encouraged the public, especially people at high risk of severe influenza, to visit their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu vaccination.
Nkomo-Ralehoko urged people, especially those at high risk such as adults aged 65 years and older, people with underlying illness such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people, to visit their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu jab.
“Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from influenza,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The MEC made the call on Sunday, as the department joined the global community in observing World Hand Hygiene Day to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases.
World Hand Hygiene Day is observed annually on 5 May to improve hand hygiene standards at home and the workplace - thereby protecting health and care workers, as well as communities from infections and curbing the spread of harmful germs.
The 2024 World Hand Hygiene Day was observed under the theme: “Promoting knowledge and capacity building of health and care workers through innovative and impactful training and education, on infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene”.
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of hand hygiene to stop the spread of respiratory infections.
“It is critical that health and care workers and the public at large make hand hygiene a non-negotiable routine in their daily lives as a simple, yet powerful tool to safeguard their wellbeing. Through advocacy and education, we can foster these good habits that help prevent the spread of diseases,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko noted that hand hygiene has proven effective as a preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Cholera outbreak.
“Hands should be washed with a soap or alcohol-based sanitiser for a at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands, including the palms, back of hands, between fingers, back of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists.
“As we enter the winter months - which often sees an increase in cases of flu infections - the message around hand hygiene is even more urgent as a proactive measure to protect ourselves and loved ones and stop the spread of respiratory infections such as influenza,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
In an effort to raise awareness, the department’s health facilities will from 5 to 10 May 2024, embark on a handwashing campaign targeting healthcare workers, patients, and the public about the significance of hand hygiene. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:54
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Health dismisses reports of new COVID-19 variant
Health dismisses reports of new COVID-19 variant
The National Department of Health says it has noted with concern old and fake news about the COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant circulating on social media.
These fake posts further advise people to wear face masks because of an allegedly “deadly and not easy-to-detect variant”.
“This is a misleading message which first resurfaced during the peak of the pandemic without a traceable source.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the department, COVID-19 remains circulating at relatively low levels around the country just like in other parts of the world.
However, it said, there is no need for the public to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both the vaccines and infections.
“The current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible.”
However, the department said that taking protective measures daily, including non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, will help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections including influenza.
“The department will keep the public abreast as and when there is a surge in cases of illness caused by any virus of concern or outbreak of any disease.”
On Sunday, the department urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase over the winter season.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country, has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which some can confuse for COVID-19 due to common symptoms.
RSV causes illness mainly in young children but may also contribute to respiratory disease in older people.
The flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk of contracting the virus to get the flu vaccine to prevent severe health complications.
Groups at high risk include the elderly who are over 65 years old, those with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 14:09
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Health urges public to get the flu vaccine as flu season hits
Health urges public to get the flu vaccine as flu season hits
The National Department of Health has urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase over the winter season.
According to the department, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at peak circulation in the country, while influenza also known as flu is starting to surge.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to circulate at low levels.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country, has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of RSV, which some can confuse for COVID-19 due to common symptoms.
However, according to the department, RSV causes illness mainly in young children but may also contribute to respiratory disease in older people.
“Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are starting to see an increase in cases,” the statement read.
“While most diseases caused by influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are mild, they may cause severe illness and even death amongst the citizens around the country, particularly in individuals with conditions placing them at high risk of severe disease.”
The flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk of contracting the virus to get the flu vaccine to prevent severe health complications.
Groups at high risk include the elderly who are over 65 years old, those with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people.
The flu vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge on a first come, first serve basis to people falling into the high-risk category, while private pharmacies also sell the vaccine.
The flu virus spreads mainly from one person to another by respiratory droplets and co-infections with other respiratory viruses can occur.
For this reason, people always need to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, stay at home when sick, not touch their face with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with others such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.
Some common symptoms of RSV and flu include but are not limited to a runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
“Parents and caregivers are urged to take their children who experience difficulties with breathing, not drinking enough fluids and experience deteriorating symptoms to the nearest health facility or healthcare provider for medical attention without delay.”
People infected with the flu are usually contagious for three to eight days. Preventative measures such as wearing masks and social distancing are recommended especially for those who are ill. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:53
997 views
Enhancing Your Wellness Journey with Saunas and Steam Rooms
Embarking on a wellness journey transforms not just your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. Integrating a sauna or steam room into your home can significantly elevate this experience, offering a sanctuary where you can unwind, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Saunas, with their dry heat, have been cherished for centuries for their health …
SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup
SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled two batches of Benylin pediatric cough syrup.
On 10 April 2024, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported to the concerned party that a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol detected in it.
According to the SAHPRA, diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.
“SAHPRA immediately contacted the South African manufacturer, Kenvue, formerly Johnson and Johnson, for a response. Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, it was resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing,” the local drug watchdog explained.
SAHPRA, in collaboration with Kenvue, has identified the affected batch numbers as 329304 and 329303.
These affected batches have been distributed to several countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.
SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said as a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that they protect the health of the public.
“SAHPRA is recalling these two batches from the market due to reported high levels of diethylene glycol, with the potential to cause serious adverse events,” Semete-Makokotlela explained.
Benylin paediatric is a bright red syrup with a raspberry smell and taste, packaged in a 100ml amber glass bottle with a plastic measuring cup.
It is used to relieve cough and congestive symptoms and treat hay fever and other allergies affecting the upper respiratory tract.
“SAHPRA wishes to inform the public not to panic, as the matter is being handled with priority. Batch recalls are batch-specific and do not necessarily apply to other batches or similar products. The manufacturer is a SAHPRA-licenced manufacturer and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),” said Semete-Makokotlela.
The drug watchdog stressed that the recall is limited to two batches and that the public should not panic regarding the range of products bearing the same name.
“SAHPRA is alerting healthcare professionals and the public to discontinue the use of the two batches mentioned, remove them from their inventory and return them to their normal distribution channels immediately,” said Semete-Makokotlela.
The recall is classified as a Class 1, Type A recall, which is associated with a serious product quality concern that may have severe consequences.
According to SAHPRA, this is a countrywide recall.
The product is being recalled from hospitals, retail outlets, healthcare professionals, authorised prescribers and individual customers or patients.
Those who have consumed these two batches and experienced any adverse reaction or witnessed it in children should consult their healthcare professional and report this using the Med Safety App or send an email to adr@sahpra.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:02
243 views
Protesters accuse coal mining company of damaging their homes
Ogies and Phola coal mining communities also demand that Seriti publish a labour plan