31 March 2022 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Door-to-Door Campaign on World TB Day

GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conducts Door-to-Door Campaign on World TB Day

For immediate release
31 March 2022

In light of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2022 with the theme “Invest to End TB – Save Lives” that was commemorated on 24 March 2022 , Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with Western Cape Department of Health, conducted a door-to-door campaign in George.

Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners (from left) are Lusizo Khwetshube, Khanyisa Shoto, Yonwaba Sifo (middle), Sive Mkuta (2nd, right) and Ivy Mamegwa (right) with Patience Shipalane (3rd, left) and Loretta Roelfse (3rd, right) from the Western Cape Department of Health during the door-to-door campaign.

Amongst others, awareness was raised on the health impacts of indoor and ambient air quality pollution which contribute significantly to the increase in health risks such as respiratory illnesses i.e. Bronchitis, TB, etc. Areas such as Rosedale, Sea-View, and surrounding communities of the Pacaltsdorp informal settlements were visited. Approximately 500 pamphlets were distributed during the campaign.

Municipal Health Services as defined in the National Health Act, 2003 includes the surveillance and prevention of these communicable diseases. EHPs have a statutory obligation to protect the health of the present and future generations as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis), which most often affect the lungs. TB is curable and preventable, but it can be spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they push the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.

Environmental Health Practitioners spotted at the Rosedale community in Pacaltsdorp (George) educating the public on indoor, ambient air pollution and Tuberculosis.

Eight countries account for two-thirds of the new TB cases around the world including India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa.

Common symptoms of TB include:

  • Prolonged Cough
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

For any further information relating to the surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases, please contact the GRDM Municipal Services Units at the respective Regional offices of the GRDM and “Let us invest in saving lives”.

Main Office:
Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

George (Outeniqua):
Emmy Douglas (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 044 803 1501
Fax: 044 803 1566
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

George (Wilderness):
Pieter Raath (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 044 803 1501
Fax: 044 803 1566
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Mossel Bay:
Sam Bendle (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel:  044 693 0006
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Klein Karoo
Desmond Paulse (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Knysna
James McCarthy (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 044 382 7214
Cell: 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou (Plettenberg Bay)
Gawie Vos (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 044 5011600
Address: 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg Bay, 6600

Hessequa:
Haemish Herwels (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: 028 713 2438
Cell: 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Kannaland:
George Hendriksz (Chief: Municipal Health)
Tel: +27(0)44 272 2241
Cell: +27(0)82 907 3492
Address: 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn

Feature Image: Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners (from left) are: Khanyisa Shoto, Lusizo Khwetshube, Yonwaba Sifo, Sive Mkuta, and Ivy Mamegwa shortly before the door-to-door campaign commenced.

ENDS