[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

28 December 2007

The month of February is dedicated to the promotion of reproductive health messages. In the era of devastating HIV infections, the Department of Health focuses on the promotion of correct and consistent condom usage and the creation of awareness about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

The MEC will kick-start her campaign with the commemoration of the World Cancer Day which she will take to uMkhanyakude district in Manguzi. This year's campaign focuses on the impacts of smoke on children. Around 700 million children almost half of the world's children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, particularly at home. On 4 February 2008, World Cancer Day will direct a simple message to parents:

"Second-hand smoke is a health hazard for you and your family. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Give your child a smoke-free childhood."

The details of this event are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: Shayina Sport Grounds Manguzi

The MEC will then begin her focus on the theme of the month, STI and condom promotion. This campaign is a pillar of our fight against STIs (including HIV) and unwanted pregnancies. As we mark Valentine's Day on 14 February we urge people to care for those that they love and protect them from infections brought about by sexual contact. Of crucial importance though, is an appeal to our youngsters in particular, to avoid sexual contact for as long as it is possible.

The details of the events are as follows:
Date: Friday, 15 February 2008
Time: 12h00
Venue: Ncotshane Stadium, Pongola

This event will also include the opening of a truck stop where comprehensive health services will be provided including screening for blood pressure, glucose levels, HIV infections and many other ailments. The MEC will officially launch and open this uMnyango Wezempilo, Departement van Gesondheid, fighting disease, fighting poverty, giving hope service on the day targeting mainly truckers and sex workers in the area.

The details are as follows:
Date: Friday, 15 February 2008
Time: 18h00 to 21h00
Venue: Pongola Rugby Stadium, Pongola

Another event to promote the STI prevention messages will take place as follows;
Date: Saturday, 16 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: kwaNobamba, Zululand District

The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, will be launching a scaled up Healthy Lifestyle Campaign in the province. On this day all provinces will be launching Healthy Lifestyle Campaign throughout the country as a way of mobilising the nation for a better health. Chronic diseases are the major cause of deaths in South Africa.

In the past 40 years, life expectancy has improved more than during the entire previous span of human history. Although health has improved even in the poorest countries, progress has been uneven, not only in the different countries, but among groups within the countries and within certain disease pattern, widening the gap in health status among social classes in geographic areas.

The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Friday, 22 February 2008
Time: 09h00
Venue: Zululand District

Enquiries:
Mr Leon Mbangwa
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 083 459 8695

Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869

Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government
28 December 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)