Latest news with #NationalDepartmentofHealth
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
#Wellness Wednesday: Protect yourself from the flu this winter
#Wellness Wednesday: Protect yourself from the flu this winter According to the NICD, South Africa's flu season began during the week of March 24. While the best time to get vaccinated is before flu season starts—typically between April and June—the NICD emphasizes that it's still not too late to get your flu shot. Protection from the flu develops about two weeks after vaccination The vaccine offers some protection from the flu and lessens the severity of the symptoms. For many people, flu comes with mild symptoms that are resolved in days to a week but for vulnerable groups, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death. Those most at risk include: Pregnant women People living with HIV Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity Older adults (65 years and older) Children younger than 2 years Many people mistakenly believe that the flu vaccine can give them the flu, but the NICD has debunked this myth. The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu. After receiving the shot, some may experience mild fever and soreness at the injection site, but not the full-blown flu. The National Department of Health provides influenza vaccination free of charge to healthcare workers and people in high-risk groups. To reduce the spread of flu in your community, remember to: Wash your hands often Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue Avoid close contact with people who are sick Stay home if you are feeling unwell if your symptoms worsen or don't improve within three–seven days, seek medical attention. Information sourced from The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
ARV defaulters urged to resume treatment
The KZN Department of Health is on a quest to find nearly 117 000 people on antiretrovirals (ARVs) and bring them back to treatment by the end of the year. Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said the province has about 1.5 million people who are stable on ARVs, saying that the department is now on a mission to find thousands more who have stopped treatment for various reasons. Simelane explained that the province is participating in the newly-launched Close the Gap campaign, a collaboration between the National Department of Health and the South African National Aids Council. Speaking on the Department's KZN Health Chat multimedia programme last Friday, Simelane said the campaign aimed to reach 1.1 million people across the country who know their HIV status, but are not on treatment. The MEC said although more than 200 000 people in KZN are estimated to be lost to treatment, they have set a target of finding 117 616 of them by year-end and returning them to care. 'We are determined to bring people back on treatment. As we always say, no one should ever die just because they've stopped taking medication that can suppress HIV to the point of being undetectable. We know that some people stop taking their ARVs due to treatment fatigue, which we strongly discourage. In some ways, we are victims of our success as a province. People take their medication until they feel so well that they think they can stop,' she said. Simelane added that they only feel better because of the treatment. 'So, we urge everyone to stick to their treatment and for those who've stopped, to come back and re-enrol. If we don't, resistance can develop, making treatment less effective and putting our lives at risk,' she said. She also cautioned that excessive alcohol use can lead to defaulting on treatment. 'Being a teetotaler doesn't make you ibhari (a bumpkin) or unfashionable. There is nothing wrong with not drinking. But if you must drink, do so in moderation – especially if you are on ARVs. Drinking too much makes it harder to keep track of time, let alone remember to take your medication. We plead with our compatriots to take care and protect their health,' she said The MEC said while the department intensifies its Close the Gap efforts, anyone wishing to return to the ARV programme is encouraged to visit their local clinic and speak to a healthcare worker. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Fever's Facebook page At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Business Insider
08-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
South Africa to revise cannabis food laws amid public backlash
The South African government has announced plans to release new regulations for cannabis use following the backlash against its earlier decision to ban the product. South Africa's government plans to release new regulations for cannabis use following backlash over previous bans. Draft regulations will govern the sale of cannabis-infused foods after prior prohibitions faced criticism. New regulations aim to address health concerns regarding children's exposure to cannabis products. South Africa's Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that his department will soon publish draft regulations for the sale of cannabis-infused foods. This follows the withdrawal of previous regulations in April, which had banned the import, manufacture, and sale of all cannabis-based food products, including Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, and hemp seed oil or powder. BusinessTech reports that the initial ban faced significant criticism from experts and industry leaders, particularly for prohibiting cannabis derivatives like hemp, which were not illegal. Critics argued that the move undermined South Africa's efforts to expand its cannabis market. Following intervention from President Cyril Ramaphosa, the controversial regulations which have been condemned for lacking public consultation. were ultimately rescinded. South Africa's stand on cannabis As of today, South Africa remains the only country in Africa without legislation regulating recreational cannabis use. In contrast, many other African nations have passed laws permitting cannabis for industrial and medical purposes, though not for recreational use. In May 2024, the South African government passed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, following a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that declared the criminalization of home use and cultivation of cannabis for personal use by adults unconstitutional. However, on March 7, 2025, the government introduced a ban on all edible cannabis products, including capsules, gummies, baked goods, and beverages, under the National Department of Health's guidance. This move sparked significant controversy among cannabis advocates and industry players, and the ban was lifted on March 26, 2025, pending further consultation. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) raised public health concerns regarding cannabis edibles, particularly those that might appeal to children and adolescents. Accidental or intentional consumption of products containing Δ9THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is a key concern. A recent review revealed that children under 12 often unintentionally ingest THC edibles, mistaking them for regular treats. THC edibles are known for their prolonged effects, with some individuals experiencing psychosis symptoms lasting up to several days. Minister Motsoaledi, while responding to questions in Parliament, clarified that the ban on cannabis-infused foods was a prohibition order under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, which does not require consultation. However, he confirmed that new regulations will be drafted and made available for public comment soon. He explained, " The department had noted a number of incidents where children had consumed foods containing cannabis products," which likely contained high levels of THC or CBD. "In the best interest of children's health, the department decided to prevent the sale of all foods containing cannabis."
eNCA
05-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Health authorities call for HIV patients to return
DURBAN - Health authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are calling for those living with HIV/Aids to come back to receive healthcare. The Close the Gap campaign is aimed at urging those defaulting on ARV treatment to return. Reports suggest that over 200,000 people in the province are no longer taking their pills. The campaign is a collaboration between the National Department of Health and the South African National Aids Council.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Vaccination Week 2025: Message from Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa Representative
On the occasion of Africa Vaccination Week 2025, we join the continent and the global community in reaffirming our shared commitment to the power and promise of immunisation. This year's theme, 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,' and the slogan 'Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities' remind us that universal immunisation is not only a moral imperative, but a practical goal within reach. Africa Vaccination Week is more than a symbolic observance; it is a call to action. Across the region, we continue to see the devastating impacts of vaccine-preventable diseases, with far too many children still unreached. The growing number of zero-dose children, those who have never received a single vaccine highlights the critical gaps that demand urgent attention. This year's commemoration builds on the momentum of The Big Catch-Up, the recovery plan launched in 2023 to restore immunisation services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But recovery alone is not enough. We must go further. We must ensure that no child, no adolescent, no adult is left behind regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status. In South Africa, WHO continues to work alongside the government and key partners to strengthen immunization coverage and build public trust. From urban clinics to remote communities, efforts must be intensified to identify and reach zero-dose and under-immunized children, promote vaccine equity, and reinforce routine immunization as a cornerstone of primary health care and Universal Health Coverage. As we mark the midpoint of the Immunization Agenda 2030, we call on communities to take active steps by engaging with their local health providers and ensuring children receive their scheduled vaccines. We urge health care workers and facilities to prioritize catch-up vaccination and strengthen public trust through clear and consistent communication. We encourage the National Department of Health to sustain momentum through bold, data-driven immunization strategies. We also call on traditional leaders to use their trusted voices to encourage families and individuals in their communities to prioritize immunization. And we appeal to partners and other government sectors to integrate vaccination efforts into their programmes across education, social services, and humanitarian response so that every person, everywhere, is protected. We must not allow misinformation, complacency, or resource constraints to undermine the hard-won progress of recent decades. Since 1974, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation has saved more than 50 million lives across Africa. This legacy must continue. Africa Vaccination Week is a moment to recommit. It is a reminder that immunisation not only saves lives but builds stronger health systems, empowers families, and protects our collective future. Let us move forward with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve. Immunisation for all is not only possible, it is necessary. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
