17 September 2007
The National Department of Health has noted with concern the reports in the
Independent Newspapers alleging that there have been cases of HIV infection as
a result of inadequate infection control measures in some public hospitals.
Infection control is a priority of the Department and all hospitals are
required to abide by the National Infection Prevention and Control Policy that
was distributed to all provinces. The policy requirements include correct and
adequate sterilisation of hospital equipment.
Expressed breast-milk should only be used to feed a baby of the mother who
supplied the milk. Pooled expressed breast-milk should not be used because of
the risk of transmitting infections.
The national Department of Health has requested all provinces to report on
the progress in the implementation of the National Infection Prevention and
Control Policy and on specific cases that have been reported by the Independent
Newspapers.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
17 September 2007
