28 December 2007
The month of February is dedicated to the promotion of reproductive health
messages. In the era of devastating HIV infections, the Department of Health
focuses on the promotion of correct and consistent condom usage and the
creation of awareness about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).
The MEC will kick-start her campaign with the commemoration of the World
Cancer Day which she will take to uMkhanyakude district in Manguzi. This year's
campaign focuses on the impacts of smoke on children. Around 700 million
children almost half of the world's children breathe air polluted by tobacco
smoke, particularly at home. On 4 February 2008, World Cancer Day will direct a
simple message to parents:
"Second-hand smoke is a health hazard for you and your family. There is no
safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Give your child a smoke-free
childhood."
The details of this event are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: Shayina Sport Grounds Manguzi
The MEC will then begin her focus on the theme of the month, STI and condom
promotion. This campaign is a pillar of our fight against STIs (including HIV)
and unwanted pregnancies. As we mark Valentine's Day on 14 February we urge
people to care for those that they love and protect them from infections
brought about by sexual contact. Of crucial importance though, is an appeal to
our youngsters in particular, to avoid sexual contact for as long as it is
possible.
The details of the events are as follows:
Date: Friday, 15 February 2008
Time: 12h00
Venue: Ncotshane Stadium, Pongola
This event will also include the opening of a truck stop where comprehensive
health services will be provided including screening for blood pressure,
glucose levels, HIV infections and many other ailments. The MEC will officially
launch and open this uMnyango Wezempilo, Departement van Gesondheid, fighting
disease, fighting poverty, giving hope service on the day targeting mainly
truckers and sex workers in the area.
The details are as follows:
Date: Friday, 15 February 2008
Time: 18h00 to 21h00
Venue: Pongola Rugby Stadium, Pongola
Another event to promote the STI prevention messages will take place as
follows;
Date: Saturday, 16 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: kwaNobamba, Zululand District
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, will be launching a
scaled up Healthy Lifestyle Campaign in the province. On this day all provinces
will be launching Healthy Lifestyle Campaign throughout the country as a way of
mobilising the nation for a better health. Chronic diseases are the major cause
of deaths in South Africa.
In the past 40 years, life expectancy has improved more than during the
entire previous span of human history. Although health has improved even in the
poorest countries, progress has been uneven, not only in the different
countries, but among groups within the countries and within certain disease
pattern, widening the gap in health status among social classes in geographic
areas.
The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 22 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: Zululand District
Enquiries:
Mr Leon Mbangwa
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 083 459 8695
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government
28 December 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
