Ekurhuleni nurses support fire victims and raise awareness on child protection
In honour of International Nurses Day, Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services donated clothing to 16 families affected by a fire in Marathon informal settlement. The team also led a Child Protection Month campaign, engaging learners on abuse, bullying, and health rights.
Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS) gave clothing to 16 households impacted by a recent fire in the Marathon informal settlement in honour of International Nurses Day.
In cooperation with other partners, the Bertha Gxowa Care Centre branch, under the direction of operational manager Hazel Moagi, handed over the donations on May 12.
Health Promotion, the Department of COGTA, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Ray of Hope Foundation, mental health social workers, the Ward-Based Primary Healthcare Outreach Team (WBOT), and the City of Ekurhuleni social workers were among these stakeholders.
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In addition to the donation drive, CFMS engaged the community on critical issues like child abuse and neglect.
As part of Child Protection Month, they visited Institute Status Acres Combined School for an awareness campaign on child abuse, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and bullying.
“During the visit, learners were encouraged to report all forms of abuse and bullying.
“They were also reminded of their rights and responsibilities and the importance of reporting sexual abuse within 72 hours. Anti-bullying pamphlets were distributed to reinforce the message,” said Moagi.
“International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12 to recognise nurses’ life-saving contributions to society. The day highlights global health challenges and aims to improve healthcare for all.
“This year’s theme ‘Our nurses, our future: The economic power of care’ emphasises the critical role nurses play in healthcare systems,” said Moagi.
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According to Xolani Mthiyane, a social worker from the City of Ekurhuleni, the fire victims had lost everything.
“However, they received support from various organisations, including donations of clothes, cutlery, and school shoes.
“Additional assistance included food vouchers and school uniforms from Sassa, food parcels from the Ekurhuleni food bank, and blankets from DEMS,” said Mthiyane.
