Latest news with #TracyDaszkiewicz
South Wales Argus
19-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Gwent public health official issues warning about measles
Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health for Gwent, described measles as a serious and potentially fatal illness, highlighting the importance of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine in keeping communities safe. 'Measles is very serious and can be fatal. It can make children very sick and lead to further complications which could result in hospitalisation,' she said. 'The best form of protection is the MMR vaccine.' Local health data now shows a promising 94.7% of children in Gwent have received their first MMR dose, but only 88.4% have completed the recommended second dose. Daszkiewicz is calling on families to act without delay. 'It is important that all children have the full course of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are protected from serious illness,' she said. 'It is never too late to catch up, whether you are a child or an adult.' Gwent residents can access vaccinations by walking into the local Vaccination Centre, contacting their GP, or speaking with the School Nursing team. Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, sore, watery eyes. These are followed a few days later by a rash, and in some cases, small white spots may appear inside the mouth. Health officials advise anyone who suspects measles to seek an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111.
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Gwent leaders pledge to end HIV transmissions by 2030
The commitment, part of the Fast Track Gwent initiative, was made at the Gwent Public Services Board meeting. By joining the global Fast Track Cities initiative, Gwent is part of a network aiming to stop new HIV transmissions by 2030 through increased testing, access to support services, and tackling the stigma surrounding HIV. Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, vice chair of the Gwent Public Services Board and director of public health for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: "Becoming a Fast Track Region is more than just a pledge — it's a promise to our communities. "Fast Track Gwent is about ending new HIV transmissions, but just as importantly, it's about ending the stigma for those living with HIV. "For decades HIV has been associated with LGBTQIA+ people, the vital message is that HIV doesn't discriminate, anyone can contract HIV. "Our future campaigns will support people with a wider understanding of this." She added: "We're working together to make Gwent a place where people feel safe to get tested, supported in their diagnosis, and never judged. "That's how we'll reach zero transmissions — and build a kinder and healthier Gwent for all." Fast Track Gwent, as part of Fast Track Cymru, unites health services, local authorities, voluntary organisations, and people with lived experience. Their goal is to create a future free of new HIV transmissions and end the stigma for those living with the condition. The focus is on equity, access, and education, ensuring no one is left behind. Medical innovations play a key role, with preventive treatments like PrEP and antiretroviral medication that make HIV undetectable and untransmittable being made more accessible.
