Tuberculosis patients respond better to treatment if they have a person supporting them to take their medication, according to research finding to be presented at the Prakash Vallabh conference at Alberton Civic Centre on Wednesday.
The study, conducted in six tuberculosis (TB) clinics in Ekurhuleni, showed that significantly more supported patients achieved successful outcomes than patients who did not have supporters.
Supporters were found to be useful in checking patients’ treatment, giving medicine, counselling and practical help.
The conference which is Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development will share research findings in other areas of public health such as the management of victims of sexual assault attending Kopanong crisis centre in Sedibeng.The aim of this study is to access the process of care rendered to victims of sexual assault.
The audit highlights the need to pay more attention to the comprehensive management of victims of sexual assault, more especially regarding screening of syphilis and pregnancy, the provision of emergency contraceptives, hepatitis B vaccine and trauma counselling.
Under the theme, Promoting Research for Evidence Based Planning and Enhanced Performance, this annual conference will see outcomes of studies on topics such as achievements and challenges of rolling out anti-retroviral treatment (ART), outbreaks in Gauteng, comparison of the current and previous TB cure rate, maternal, child and women’s health being discussed.
The department will put in use the recommendations of these research findings in order to improve primary health care in the province. About 500 people including senior management, middle managers, healthcare workers from clinics, hospitals, regions and districts are expected to attend this two day conference.
MEC Ntombi Mekgwe will deliver a keynote address on Thursday, 18 November as well as join the discussions of the day which will include reducing maternal death, young women’s sexual and reproductive health as well as HIV positive adolescents.
Details of the conference are as follows:
Date: 17 to 18 November 2010
Time: 08h00 to 16h00
Venue: Alberton Civic Centre, Ekurhuleni
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
