28 March 2006
Mafikeng - North West Department of Health will during April be part of the
global activities in celebrating Health Month, as declared by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) 56 years ago. The objective of the Month is to raise
awareness of a specific health issue to highlight a priority area of concern
for World Health Organisation.
The 2006 World Health Day, which is celebrated annually on 7 April, will be
devoted to the health workforce crisis and the celebration of the dignity and
value that these men and women are adding to everybody's live. With the slogan
âworking together for healthâ, the Department envisage to encourage and
acknowledge the contribution made by health workers, who are the heart of the
health system.
In the North West Province, the Health Department has arranged a number of
activities themed "Letsema, working together for health". The activities of the
Month will include cleaning and painting of health facilities, hosting the
Retired Nurses Summit, the Move for Health campaign, as well as the celebration
of World Health Day.
"It will be on World Health Day (7 April 2006) when we will be drawing
attention to the dedicated health workforce crisis and celebrate their
contribution. Despite the many challenges that these workers are still facing,
we are continuing to witness passion and commitment to heal those who need
healthcare," said MEC Rasmeni.
World Health Day in the province will be celebrated at Mafikeng Provincial
Hospital with hundreds of provincial health professionals.
The World Health Organisation acknowledges that globally the health
workforce is in crisis to which no country is entirely immune. The migration of
health professionals to countries like Britain and Saudi Arabia has resulted in
a serious shortage of health workforce in the province and the country. The
challenge that the Department is currently faced with, is the recruitment and
retention of these key health workers.
Part of the Department's endeavours in recruiting more health workers will
be reinforced by the hosting of the Retired Nurses Summit taking queue from the
national Department of Health. It is expected that during this summit, retired
nurses will also provide guidance on the behavioural requirements of a
professional nurse. MEC Rasmeni says their inputs on this aspect will be
crucial because the department is worried by claims of nurses' unbecoming
behaviour towards patients.
"We call on every citizen of this province and in particular our private
health care sector, business community and organised civil society to be part
of the Health Month, and participate in all planned activities, especially at
our health facilities. Cleanliness is healthy living and acting in partnership
can improve the image and services in our facilities. Together we can make a
difference," concluded MEC Nomonde Rasmeni.
The detailed Health Month programme of action will be outlined on 3 April
(Monday) during the cleaning-up campaign at provincial offices (Tirelo
Building).
Members of the media are invited to be part of all Health Month
activities.
Enquiries please contact:
Mr Barba Gaoganediwe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 929 9958
Tel: (018) 387 5830
E-mail: kgaoganediwe@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
28 March 2006
