INTERMINISTERIAL MEETING ON COMBATING CHOLERA

Issued by the National Disaster Management Centre

8 February 2001

A meeting of National Ministers, MECs responsible for Local Government and Health, and officials met in Cape Town to consider reports on the progress in combating the cholera outbreak. The meeting was presented with reports from provinces, and from the lead departments dealing with prevention and eradication of the disease. Provincial Reports The provincial reports revealed that the prevention and treatment of cholera is receiving priority attention in all provinces. The general approach being followed by p

rovinces includes:
• Establishing of joint operations centers at local and provincial level to coordinate the work;
• Detection of cholera outbreaks by regularly testing water sources and tracing the homes of infected people;
• Identifying areas that are at risk before infection - these are areas that lack proper water and sanitation facilities and where poverty is rife;
• Preparing staff and institutions to deal with infected people;
• Mounting communication and educational campaigns among high-risk communities;
• Reporting to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) in Pretoria daily.

The reports revealed that KwaZulu-Natal still has the highest infection and death toll, but that the numbers of infections and deaths decline after detection as a result of swift action by the authorities. The challenge is thus to progress from treatment to prevention. KwaZulu- Natal also has the most innovative and far-reaching programme in place to deal with the situation. However, the situation is still very serious with new infections still occurring at a rate that is a cause for concern. There are also concerns about religious mass gatherings over the Easter period. The province has received 22 environmental health officers from Gauteng, and 12 will be sent to the province from the Western Cape.

The Eastern Cape has not reported any cholera infections, but has identified a number of high-risk areas. The measures for prevention and treatment are thus in place.

Mpumalanga has had an outbreak, but it is contained and early detection has resulted in prevention of further infection. The Northern Province has reported that the greatest risk exists in small remote villages and schools where there are no toilet facilities or water supply.

The Western Cape has reported one case (that was contracted outside of the province), however high risk areas do exist across the province.

Report from National Government The Departments of Health and Water Affairs and Forestry presented a joint strategy document containing plans for stepping up the measures in support of the provinces. Key elements approved by the meeting include:
• Rolliout a plan with the Department of Education to provide clean water and sanitation to all vulnerable schools;
• Monitoring the situation on farms;
• Fast tracking water and sanitation projects;
• Allocating all under utilized personnel (including available defence force members) to combat cholera;
• Mobilising retired health professionals;
• Pioneering work from KwaZulu-Natal was to be replicated in other provinces;
• Establishing partnerships with the private sector;
• Rolling out a national education and information campaign;
• Improving support to municipal response teams; and
• Seconding members from line function departments to the NDMC.

The following national ministers attended the meeting:

F S Mufamadi (chair) Provincial and Local Government
M Thabalala-Msimang Health
R Kasrils Water Affairs and Forestry
A T Didiza Agriculture and Land Affairs
S Mtembu-Mahanyele Housing
Z Skweyiya Social Services
K Asmal Education

Contact Fred Barron 082 4567545