31 December 2000
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will be visiting two areas which are most affected by cholera in KwaZulu-Natal on a New Year's Day to assess the situation and give support to health workers on the field.
The visit to Eshowe and Ngwelezane (Empangeni) comes after the province recorded an increase in the number of reported cases of cholera over the festive season, with the death from the epidemic unfortunately increasing to 52.
While these deaths are regrettable, the Minister commends KwaZulu-Natal Health Department and all those involved in curbing the epidemic for containing deaths to 0,44 percent of the total reported cases in the province (11 929 cases). Epidemic of this nature can claim lives of up to 50% of reported cases.
Treatment of patients has been very successful with hospitals like Eshowe having to open temporary wards to accommodate more cholera patients. Many rehydration centres have been set up to increase access to treatment especially amongst poor communities living in remote rural areas of the province.
The Minister also commends health workers and other people who have been working hard in raising public awareness, treating patients and ensuring that communities in affected areas receive safe portable water.
The Minister appeals to people in affected areas to exercise all necessary precaution to protect themselves from cholera infection. These include:
Cholera is a disease of poverty and in South Africa, it affects those who were denied access to clean water and sanitation because of unequal development of the past. As government, we will continue to work tirelessly in ensuring that all our people have access to basic services including the provision of free water for the poor.
The Minister will be at Eshowe Hospital at 10 am and visit surrounding rehydration centres before moving to Ngwelezane Hospital.
On Tuesday 02 January 2001 the Minister will hold a meeting with Provincial Affairs and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi, Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Ronnie Kasrils, representatives of World Health Organisation and other stakeholders involved in containing cholera epidemic in the province. The details of this meeting will be announced by the Minister tomorrow.
Issued by:
Sibani Mngadi
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Health
Cell: 082 7720161