Launch of Mobile Digital Chest X-Ray Van
Isibani Development Partners in partnership with Ekurhuleni Health District launched mobile Digital Chest X-Ray van in Palm Ridge. The mobile Digital Chest X-Ray van will be used as a supporting screening and diagnostic tool for detecting TB. “We want to thank Isibani Development Partners around assisting us with this Digital Chest X-Ray, that will be used as a screening tool to identify patients who are suspected of TB, so that we can investigate them further and put them on treatment”, said Dr Ben Montoedi- Clinical Manager in HAST Program. The presence of mobile Digital Chest X-Ray van will improve access of services in hard to reach areas, for example informal settlements, identified hot spot areas, etc to enhance TB case finding.
Launch of Digital Chest X-Ray at Lenasia Ext 5 Clinic
Isibani Development Partners in partnership with Gauteng Department of Health launched Digital Chest X-Ray in Lenasia Ext 5 Clinic. Before the were build up campaigns on the areas around where the X-Ray is placed. The build up campaigns were at Lehae, Freedom Park, Protea South and Lawley. During the build up campaigns and the launch, a total of 713 people were screened for TB. Out of the 713, a total of 93 people were referred for Digital Chest X-Ray screening. Out of that number, eight people were positive for TB and were referred to the feeder facilities for further management and treatment.
TB Awareness Month
To commemorate TB Awareness month, Isibani Development Partners, Gauteng Department of Health, and other organizations (CHAPS, Tshepo Women, AURUM Institute, SANCA Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre, and Catholic Relief Services) had outreach campaigns in various communities around Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. The campaigns focused on raising awareness about TB, educating communities on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease, importance of testing, availability of treatment and promotion of healthy lifestyles. In addition to TB services, other services such as HIV counselling and Testing, screening for chronic diseases such as Diabetes, and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision were available.
World Stop TB Day
The Gauteng Department of Health commemorated World TB Day in in Carletonville on the 24 March 2021. The event focused on:
- Preventing the spread of TB amongst Healthcare Workers (HCW)
- Encouraging HCW to screen, test and take treatment for TB, HIV and other diseases.
- Eliminating the stigma around TB and HIV amongst HCW and their contacts
- Launching Respiratory Fit Testing to curb TB & COVID-19 for the HCW
- Launching of TB Hotline
At the event, the Gauteng Department of Health unveiled Portacount Respirator Fit Tester that will help prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 amongst HCWs. The Gauteng Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, explained that the Portacount Respirator Fit Tester is new device will allow healthcare workers to identify whether their personal protective equipment (PPE) fits properly.
TB, HIV and other health screening services were offered to healthcare workers.
The Unsung Heroes of our Communities
Sr Portia Matemela, TB Focal Nurse.
Meet Portia Matemela AKA Sr Tema
Sr Tema is a young, ambitious, and eager to grow Professional Nurse. Her vibrant personality and character are some of the things that help her to integrate well with everyone. Sr Tame has twelve (12) years’ experience as a Professional Nurse and joined Isibani in September 2020. “The past few months have been eye-opening and refreshing”. She says Isibani has given her an opportunity to learn new things about her role as a nurse and to grow as an individual.
For Sr Tema, the most rewarding part about her job is knowing that her care, support and touch can help a patient get better. For the past four months Sr Tema has been placed at Far East Hospital. Her hard work and dedication have earned her kind words from patients. Isibani Development Partners appreciates and recognizes the good work that you do. Continue to shine the light in Health Services.