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7 July 2008

The Premier of the Eastern Cape Mrs Nosimo Balindlela heaped praise on the Eastern Cape Health Department for their undying and unwavering commitment in the promotion of health in the communities of the Eastern Cape.

The praises were sung at a Health promotion campaign at Mhlontlo Municipality, on 1 July 2008 at Qumbu Stadium and was attended by the entire executive of the Eastern Cape government, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, the Executive Mayor of O R Tambo Municipality and Councillors of Mhlontlo Municipality.

The crowds were examined for tuberculosis (TB), blood pressure, blood sugar testing, dental services, HIV and AIDS testing. Other government departments were also involved to ensure an integrated approach to health of the community, i.e. Agriculture, Education, South African Social Security Association (SASSA), Home Affairs, and Social Development.

School kids exercised at the open fields.

The event was preceded by door to door campaigns by the health department officials to advise people on how to live healthy lifestyles. The Premier commended the health department for sterling work in educating the community and pleaded with people not to hide their illnesses especially HIV and AIDS. The Premier advised people to go to government when they need help.

The MEC for Health Mrs Nomsa Jajula commented that 575 schools in the Eastern Cape and 29 schools in the Umhlontlo Municipality have been covered and are now Health Promoting Schools. The MEC encouraged other schools that were not in the programme to join in. She added that the department was on a mission to make sure that health is promoted in schools, churches and taverns.

Mrs Tshangane, Director of health promotion mentioned that school kids are educated on health issues so that they could go and plough back what they had learnt to their homes and their community.

Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
7 July 2008