Latest news with #Modiba
The South African
2 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Gauteng Health denies body backlog at Helen Joseph Hospital
The Gauteng Department of Health has firmly rejected claims that Helen Joseph Hospital experienced a backlog in processing deceased patients due to a shortage of printer cartridges. ADVERTISEMENT The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that corpses could not be transferred to government mortuaries for almost two weeks because of printing delays. However, the department clarified that the hospital currently has only one body in its mortuary, a patient who was declared dead on arrival last Wednesday. Gauteng Health Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba explained that the patient was unidentified at arrival but has since been linked to a family in KwaZulu-Natal. 'The body will now be handed over to the forensic services on Monday,' Modiba confirmed. ADVERTISEMENT Temporary printing issues resolved at Helen Joseph Hospital While the department acknowledged that the hospital did experience technical difficulties, it insists the matter was handled promptly. Modiba said printing problems occurred between 17 and 23 June due to delayed payments to service providers. Despite this, the hospital implemented contingency plans to continue operations. 'Five pending cases were processed by 24 June,' he said. Modiba said that the department had acted to resolve the matter. 'The department would like to reiterate that currently Helen Joseph Hospital has no corpses that are outstanding and awaiting to be processed as a result of printing challenges,' he added. DA criticism met with pushback The Democratic Alliance's claims of mismanagement and neglect at the Helen Joseph Hospital have drawn criticism from the department, which views the allegations as misleading. The department maintains that all patients have been processed appropriately and that no backlog exists. It also reassured the public that steps have been taken to avoid a recurrence of such technical issues. Is public trust in healthcare institutions at risk when administrative issues are politicised? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Unauthorised door-to-door circumcision drive in Gauteng gets officials hot under the collar
The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning after a video went viral on social media, wherein a woman is seen recruiting boys for voluntary medical male circumcision on behalf of an unidentified doctor in Tshwane. Image: File The Gauteng Department of Health has warned communities against groups of people going around recruiting men and boys for circumcision drives, purporting to represent the provincial department. The Gauteng Department of Health has urged communities to be cautious of people conducting unauthorised recruitment drives for circumcision. 'The Gauteng Department of Health would like to advise communities that no person or organisation is permitted to conduct door-to-door recruitment for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) on behalf of the department. This comes after a video went viral on social media, wherein a woman is seen recruiting boys for VMMC on behalf of an unidentified doctor in Tshwane,' said spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba. 'The department urges communities to be cautious of people conducting unauthorised recruitment for circumcision. The safety and dignity of all residents is of paramount importance, therefore, any individual or group found misrepresenting themselves as government officials or operating without authorisation will be reported to the South African Police Service and may face criminal charges.' Modiba emphasised that the voluntary medical male circumcision procedures must only be performed under safe, sterile and medically approved conditions. The provincial department has contracted qualified service providers to deliver VMMC services across all five health districts in Gauteng. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'These services are offered free of charge and are only performed at designated approved sites. A comprehensive list can be accessed on: The public is encouraged to contact their relevant district health officials to verify the legitimacy of those rendering VMMC services,' said Modiba. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Earlier this month, IOL reported that government launched the 2025 Winter Customary Initiation Season with a focused effort involving several key departments working together to protect the lives and wellbeing of initiates. The effort brings together the Departments of Health, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the SAPS, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), all working to enforce regulations, support families, and eliminate illegal initiation schools. The season was officially opened on May 31 under the theme 'Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila', meaning 'They must go alive and come back alive'. This message underpins a broader government commitment to reducing deaths and injuries linked to unsafe initiation practices, which have been a persistent challenge in some communities. IOL News
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng Health sounds alarm over measles outbreak
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has intensified its public health response following a continued rise in measles cases across the province. • Also read: West Rand's emergency medical services (EMS) under pressure: One responder for every 900 residents Motalatale Modiba, head of communications at GDoH, stated that there have been 181 confirmed cases reported between January 1 and June 13, with numerous cases emerging from the Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni districts. 'This persistent outbreak follows previous clusters dating back to 2022, which led to a measles vaccination campaign in 2023. In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, 10 of which were reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in West Rand. The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, specifically among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine,' Modiba said. Modiba added that the immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in Johannesburg, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. This has contributed to the steady increase in cases, including among people who had previously been vaccinated, and even some adults. 'In the Johannesburg district, the department implemented a targeted response by vaccinating contacts and conducting outbreak campaigns in areas including Diepsloot, Midrand, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, and Rosettenville. To date, more than 3,500 people have been vaccinated in the district, with further campaigns scheduled for busy community sites including the Diepsloot and Cosmo City taxi ranks. The West Rand and Sedibeng districts, while not currently experiencing outbreaks, remain on high alert. 'GDoH is working closely with districts to strengthen surveillance, ensure rapid response, and improve vaccination coverage. The department is expected to embark on a comprehensive four-week province-wide vaccination campaign as part of broader intervention activities,' Modiba said. The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has urged all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, encouraging them to work with health teams conducting school and community campaigns. 'We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. Vaccination is simple, safe, and is our best protection against harmful diseases. We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children's health,' Nkomo-Ralehoko stated. The public is reminded that people who are infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. 'All suspected cases are provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications. The department remains committed to containing the spread of measles and rubella in the province and urges the public to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them,' Modiba concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health warns of immunity gap in measles fight as cases rise
Gauteng Health has launched targeted school vaccination drives to curb rising measles cases, especially in hotspots like Mamelodi and Winterveld. With 181 confirmed measles cases, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is ramping up school and community vaccination, focusing on hotspot areas and boosting surveillance to contain the outbreak. The continued rise in measles cases across the province has revealed an immunity gap, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine. 'We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella,' said the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'We must close the immunity gap' – Health MEC 'Vaccination is simple and safe and is our best protection against harmful diseases. We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children's health.' The department reported 181 laboratory-confirmed cases from 1 January to 13 June, with many cases originating from the Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni districts. ALSO READ: 'Immunity gap' drives rubella outbreak in South Africa According to GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, in the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new cases, with 10 of these reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in the West Rand. 'The outbreak remains active in specific hotspot areas, including Mamelodi and Winterveld in Tshwane, where 35 and 10 cases have been reported, respectively,' Modiba said. There have been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, all of whom have since been discharged. 16 hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane In response, the department has intensified its targeted vaccination campaign in schools, vaccinating more than 18 000 pupils to date across 15 schools in both Mamelodi and Winterveld. Additionally, inter-facility immunisation has commenced, providing booster doses of measles-rubella to all age groups, regardless of their vaccination history. ALSO READ: Health officials warn of rising German measles cases in South Africa GDoH reported that immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane — well below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. This has contributed to the steady increase in cases, including among individuals who had previously been vaccinated and even among some adults. Modiba said the department launched a targeted response in the Johannesburg district, vaccinating close contacts and running outbreak campaigns in areas including Diepsloot, Midrand, Cosmo City, Hillbrow and Rosettenville. Targeted response by department against measles outbreak More than 3 500 people have received vaccinations in the district thus far, and additional campaigns are planned for busy community locations, such as Diepsloot and Cosmo City taxi ranks. In Ekurhuleni, teams conducted targeted campaigns in Daveyton, Slovo Park, Tembisa, and Barcelona, where they have already vaccinated 560 children. ALSO READ: Measles cases surging again in Europe: WHO The West Rand and Sedibeng districts, while not currently experiencing outbreaks, remain on high alert. 'GDoH is working closely with districts to strengthen surveillance, ensure rapid response, and improve vaccination coverage. The department is expected to embark on a comprehensive four-week province-wide vaccination campaign as part of broader intervention activities,' Modiba said. The MEC has called on all parents and guardians to ensure their children are immunised and to collaborate with health teams that run community and school campaigns. Call for parents to vaccinate children The department has instructed health facilities to isolate positive cases immediately and vaccinate their close contacts without delay. 'The public is reminded that individuals infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. All suspected cases are provided with vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications,' Modiba said. NOW READ: Measles cases rose 79 percent globally last year: WHO
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Pretoria sees sharp rise in measles cases
Pretoria is facing a surge in measles cases, with the majority of new infections reported in hotspot areas such as Mamelodi and Winterveld. In response, the Gauteng Department of Health has intensified its vaccination campaign across schools and communities in Tshwane, aiming to close the growing immunity gap and prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease. According to spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, in the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, with 10 reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in the West Rand. 'The outbreak remains active in specific hotspot areas including Mamelodi and Winterveld in Tshwane, where 35 and 10 cases have been reported respectively.' Modiba said the department has embarked on an aggressive targeted vaccination campaign in schools, with over 18,000 learners vaccinated to date in more than 15 schools in Mamelodi and 16 schools in Winterveld. 'In response, Inter-facility immunisation has also commenced, offering measles-rubella booster doses to all age groups regardless of prior vaccination history. 'The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine.' He said immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. 'There have been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, all of whom have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported.' Modiba said health facilities have been instructed to isolate positive cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately. 'The public is reminded that individuals infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. All suspected cases are provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications. 'The department remains committed to containing the spread of measles and rubella in the province and urges the public to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them.' Measles symptoms show up around 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. The first symptoms usually are: High Fever, Dry cough. Runny nose. Red, watering eyes, called conjunctivitis. About 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms, you also may see tiny white spots inside the mouth, called Koplik spots. About 3 to 5 days after symptoms first start, or about 14 days after you come into contact with the virus, it's common to see a rash. The rash is made up of large, flat spots and small raised bumps. The rash starts on the face or neck and spreads down the body from the chest to the arms and legs. A person with measles can spread the virus four days before the rash appears and four days after. Measles can spread very easily. Also read: Tax Season 2025: Here is everything you should know Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
