Public health campaign informs residents
As part of the Region F team, he liaises with facility managers, clinic health committees as well as community members to find out which campaigns will benefit the communities he works with, depending on issues affecting that particular community.
The EXPRESS was invited to the Bezvalley Healthy lifestyle campaign, organised and hosted by the Bezvalley Clinic Health Committee, on Tuesday, September 30.
The main purpose of the event was to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent and support people who may be affected by chronic or other ailments.
One of the organisers, Mr Jabu Tshabalala, said the event was part of the Johannesburg health department’s health calendar events.
He said each year the department works with various clinics to identify some of the critical health issues affecting communities.
As part of the Region F team, he liaises with facility managers, clinic health committees as well as community members to find out which campaigns will benefit the communities he works with, depending on issues affecting that particular community.
“The main purpose of the event is to educate the community about early detection of diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, TB and many others,” he said.
There was also counselling and testing for HIV.
Mr Tshabalala said, “It is important to know your status because one runs the chance of being re-infected if you are unaware of your status.”
Among the services rendered, the event also conducted HIV, TB and STI preventive education and health talks, voluntary counselling and testing. Diabetes testing was also done.
One of the clinic’s health committee members, Ms Jameela Variawa, said being a woman representative, cervical cancer is a priority and testing is crucial.
Sister Nomonde Mphahlele said women with cervical cancer tend to not have symptoms in the early stages.
When women do have symptoms of cervical cancer, these symptoms can include irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell, a watery vaginal discharge, pelvic and back pain. She also advised women from 30 upwards to try and test for cervical cancer every year, if possible.
The Department of Home Affairs also attended the event.
They assisted community members with identity documents and birth certificates.
