Local nurses address residents about drug abuse during International Nurses Day celebrations
Nurses addressed issues of substance abuse and other chronic illnesses during International Nurses Day.
Kwa-Thema – As nurses across the country joined in the commemoration of International Nurses Day and renewed their vows, the Duduza Nursing Association also joined in on Saturday.
The event was held at the Duduza Old Spar building with the proud nurses dressed in their full white uniforms.
Nurses from across Ekurhuleni joined in the event.
International Nurses Day is commemorated globally on May 12. This year the theme was Our Nurses, Our Future.
Professional nurse Fikile Ntuli, an occupational health practitioner at Komatsu Mining Cooperation, said during the event they addressed issues of substance abuse and other chronic illnesses.
“The event was not only focused on the nurses but also an opportunity to educate residents about substance abuse.
“We have a challenge of substance abuse in our communities and we felt it was important to have addicts, recovering addicts and other organisations in attendance to share experiences,” she added.
Bishop Andile Madiba, who is the founder of a support group for the youth undergoing rehabilitation, was also in attendance with some of the recovering addicts.
He encouraged the medical staff, parents and the community to be patient with the addicts.
“As much as they are a thorn in our lives, they remain our children and need us to support them to find their way back. I am encouraging parents who have a child who is addicted to contact local social workers to seek help,” he added.
The social workers may be contacted on 0800 228 827.
