The Gauteng Department of Health’s efforts to improve the quality of health for all South Africans yielded positive results in the fourth quarter of the last financial year, January to March 2013.
During this period, the department noted significant progress in the fight against HIV and Aids. At the end of March 2013, more than 700 000 people are accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the province.
These 722 682 adults and children access ART at 364 sites that provide this service. This number increased from 600 284 people who accessed from 265 sites at the end of March 2012.
In an effort to reduce the incidence of HIV, awareness and testing campaigns have been intensified in communities. At the end of March 2013, HIV testing rate was at 92.9%.
Notable improvement in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission continues. Only 1.9% of babies born to HIV positive mothers tested positive when tested at the age of six weeks.
Through “Know your Status” campaign the community is gradually becoming aware of the importance of antenatal early booking. As such antenatal visits before 20 weeks rate increased from 34% to 37.3% in the quarter under review. This makes the department’s goal of reducing neonatal and maternal deaths achievable.
An increase in the number of antenatal care clients initiated on AZT during antenatal visits has also been noted from 77% to 78.7%.
At the end of last financial year, 83.5% of patients on TB treatment were cured at the end of six months of treatment which is an increase from 82% at the end of 2011/12. Also in the same period, 49.6% HIV-TB co-infected patients were placed on ART and a reduction in TB defaulter rates from 2011/12 rate of 7% to 5.7% was noted.
During this period, efforts have been made to improve access to primary health care facilities. Currently, 26 out of 32 Community Health Care Centres offer 24 hour services and all of them provide maternity services.
Waiting times has also improved in the majority of health facilities in the province and this is as a result of amongst other things, the recruitment of staff especially in casualties who assist with sorting and screening patients as well as queue marshals who ensure that people are waiting in correct lines.
All these efforts are as a result of the department’s turnaround strategy 2012-2014 which aims at improving health care in the province.
Department’s spokesperson, Simon Zwane says the department will continue implementing initiatives to better the lives of the people of Gauteng.
“We are hopeful that the department’s efforts to improve the quality of healthcare will ensure an efficient and effective health system,” he says.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
