The Eastern Cape Department of Health’s health promotion directorate embarked on an outreach campaign to educate communities about the H1N1 flu and its mode of spread.
Swine influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by one several swine influenza A viruses. This virus causes high levels of illness and low death rate
Health promoters from the head office visited districts with the aim of giving support and share information on the virus mode of spread and preventative measures so that they can share with their communities.
The following areas were visited; OR Tambo District, Nelson Mandela Metro, Chris Hani, Ukhahlamba, Amathole, Cacadu and the Alfred Nzo District.
Mrs Ntombabantu Madikazi, Deputy Director Health Promotions said the objective of these campaigns was to promote awareness to the community and health workers about the mode of spread of the influenza, signs and symptoms, prevention and what people can do to protect themselves from getting sick.
The Health Promotion Manager of Nelson Mandela Bay, Mr Thobimvula Bantshi said “people should be informed about this influenza so that they are able to make informed choices. They are supposed to be in a position to play their role in the stopping of this influenza and take responsible measures to prevent the disease thereof.”
On the other hand, Mrs Khulu from Health Promotions at the head office presented in the O.R Tambo District on preventative measures, signs and symptoms and how the virus spreads. “No cases were confirmed in the district but this is a pro-active measure by the department,” Mrs Khulu said.
Ms Nomhle Bunyonyo from the Chris Hani District Health Promotions mentioned that they were very happy that the department shared the information with the districts and that further trainings with community health workers were to be conducted.
The campaigns took the form of roadshows and training of the outbreak response team (ORT) educating communities in fighting influenza (flu) by visiting closest health centre on flu symptoms and to stay away from work or school when they get sick with influenza
To cover nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and to wash the hands often with soap and clean running water especially after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with sick people to keep from infecting them.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way.
Throw the tissue away in the dust bin and close it after use.
Ms Betty Bala, the Programme Manager of Health Promotion in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Public Health Directorate alluded that the response from the people has been positive and they appreciated the initiative of the Eastern Cape Department of Health of informing them about this pandemic.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
17 August 2009
Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za/)
