Latest news with #UnjaniClinic
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Nurse raises awareness about TB symptoms, treatment and prevention
Duduza – Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng is raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through community education, she aims to inform the public about how TB spreads, how it can be prevented, and why early diagnosis is crucial. 'TB mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. 'TB is not a death sentence, but when left untreated or poorly managed, it becomes life-threatening,' explained Mofokeng. Mofokeng mentioned that she currently works in a male medical ward and one of the most painful realities she faces is the high rate of treatment default among TB patients. ALSO CHECK: Trauma Support SA urges public to help maintain essential trauma care services She highlighted that many start their medication feeling hopeful, but due to various challenges like side effects, lack of support, poverty, or stigma, they stop taking their treatment before completion. 'I have seen patients return weeks or months later, far sicker than before. Some have drug-resistant TB, while others are too ill to recover. 'What breaks my heart most is knowing that these deaths are preventable. South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of TB in the world. 'According to the World Health Organization, over 200,000 new TB cases are reported annually here, and the majority of them are among the most economically active age group,' she cited. Mofokeng further noted a correlation between HIV and TB. She has treated countless patients who are co-infected with both, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of death. Early detection is critical. ALSO CHECK: Unjani Clinic donates gardening tools to Wright Park community garden for elderly residents Do not ignore these warning signs: • A cough lasting longer than two weeks • Unexplained weight loss • Drenching night sweats • Fatigue • Fever or chills • Coughing up blood 'If you experience these symptoms or know someone who does, please go to your nearest clinic immediately. TB treatment in South Africa is completely free at public clinics. It involves a six-month course of treatment. However, for treatment to be successful, it must be taken every single day without fail. 'I have seen what happens when patients skip doses or stop early. The bacteria become resistant, and we are left with fewer and far more toxic treatment options. 'This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it is a growing threat in our country. The painful part is witnessing an increase in cases where, even after some patients have been re-initiated on treatment, they still default. 'This then makes them acquire multi-drug resistance. There is a huge challenge with tuberculosis in the hospitals, which are full of people who were unable to comply with treatment,' added Mofokeng. Some of the most common challenges patients face include: • Lack of food to take with medication • Fear of stigma or being judged • Side effects from the medication • Long clinic queues or transport issues • Poor understanding of the importance of completing treatment • Prevention and community action: Here is how the community can help prevent the spread of TB: • Encourage early screening and testing • Improve ventilation in homes and workplaces • Promote good cough etiquette and hygiene • Support those on treatment, emotionally and practically At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How solar energy is improving healthcare in rural areas
Sister Poppy Vilakazi with Solar power unit. Image: Supplied. Bestmed Medical Scheme has solidified its partnership with the non-profit organisation Unjani Clinic, making significant strides in healthcare delivery across the Eastern Cape and Free State regions. Through generous donations, including an ultrasound machine and a solar power unit, Bestmed is addressing two pressing challenges: maternal health and power instability that have crippled healthcare services in rural areas. This latest initiative follows Bestmed's earlier contributions of two innovative Health Pods, launched in 2022 and 2023, which have collectively served over 3,600 patients in George and surrounding areas in the Western Cape, as well as the community between Dewetsdorp and Wepener in the Free State. These efforts reflect Bestmed's commitment to enhancing primary healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural settings. Advancing maternal health in Sterkspruit According to a recent report from the Commission for Gender Equality, the Eastern Cape faces significant challenges in delivering quality healthcare services to women, particularly concerning maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Sister Nandipha Nyelimane with Ultrasound unit. Image: Supplied. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and healthcare worker shortages contribute to this dilemma, especially in remote areas. However, the donation of an ultrasound machine at the Unjani Clinic in Sterkspruit has brought transformative changes to maternal healthcare in the region. "The ultrasound machine has enabled us to detect abnormalities early in pregnancies, leading to safer births and healthier babies," Sister Nandipha Nyelimane, a dedicated nurse at the clinic, said. Keeping clinics running amid power cuts Frequent power outages have emerged as a formidable obstacle to healthcare delivery across South Africa. Communities reliant on consistent electricity supply have witnessed essential services compromised, exacerbating the challenges faced by healthcare facilities—particularly in remote locations like Kopanong. Bestmed's provision of a solar power unit has proven vital in ensuring uninterrupted patient care at the local Unjani Clinic. "It's not just about keeping the lights on. We've reduced operational stress and can now focus more on patient care without worrying about electricity bills or outages," Sister Poppy Vilakazi said. Health Pods: A lifeline for underserved communities The Health Pods established in George and Dewetsdorp are proving to be essential lifelines for local populations. In 2024 alone, the George Health Pod has treated over 2,860 patients from Thembalethu, a township housing more than 44,000 residents with only two public clinics available. Simultaneously, the Dewetsdorp Health Pod has successfully catered to over 760 patients, significantly reducing travel times and healthcare costs for many families. "While the numbers are impressive, the true impact lies in the stories of lives improved," Madelein O'Connell, Executive for Marketing, Sales and Corporate Relations at Bestmed Medical Scheme said. "In overcrowded or remote areas, Health Pods are more than facilities—they are lifelines." Residents in both regions have reported substantial improvements in several health services, particularly reproductive healthcare including pap smears and family planning. Additionally, the Health Pods have elevated health awareness in the community by organising TB screenings and Mom and Baby expos, leading to nominations for the 'Best Healthcare Facility' award—testament to the partnership's tangible results. In Dewetsdorp, the local Health Pod has not only reduced clinic operational costs but has also significantly improved healthcare access for residents who previously faced long journeys for basic services. "Health Pods are transforming how and where we deliver care—one township, one rural area, and one clinic at a time," Lynda Toussaint, CEO of Unjani Clinic said. "Through local empowerment and early intervention, we're not just improving health outcomes; we are impacting lives." BUSINESS REPORT
