IN a joint effort to promote health and wellness in the community, The Gateway Clinic conducted a Phila Mdeni outreach, which mainly focused on testing and screening for TB. The outreach was done in partnership with the People with a Purpose feeding scheme on Silvertree Road, Wentworth on January 29, to curtail the alarming rise of TB cases within the community and to provide the community with a hearty meal.

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The Gateway Clinic’s sister Renette Roskruge said the focus was on the screening and testing for TB as the number of cases in the area were increasing.

Roskruge said that 84 community members were screened and 44 members were tested for TB.

“Many people walk around with noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes without even being aware. If we diagnose earlier, treatment will be commenced early, thus preventing complications such as strokes, cardiac disease and vascular diseases,” added Roskruge.

Complementing the health initiative, People with a Purpose had their weekly feeding scheme, so people received their medication as well as a good meal. Gillian Leyds, spokesperson for People with a Purpose, said they had their weekly feeding programme in conjunction with the clinic, so people could receive both healthcare and food.

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“We provided bread and polony, along with sugar beans and rice that were donated for our pensioners. A total of 140 people were fed,” says Leyds.

The feeding scheme, which operates once a week on Wednesdays, plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable community members. Leyds said they were grateful for the collaboration. “We are grateful for this rewarding experience. The community was fed, and healthcare was received,” she said.

This initiative by the Gateway Clinic and People with a Purpose further underlines the impact of community-driven programmes and collaboration.

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