NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
MEDIA ADVISORY
| ATTENTION: | ALL MEDIA |
| DATE: | 21 May 2010 |
| ENQUIRIES: | Andrid F. Scholtz |
| TEL: | (053) 830 2000 / 0824479696 |
WHO GLOBAL ALERT AND RESPONSE (GAR) TEAM VISITS NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
A combined team from the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva and their counterparts from regional offices in SADEC visited the Northern Cape Province Department of Health to assess the Public Health risks for the 2010 World Cup and provide support for the ongoing Rift Valley Fever outbreak. The core function of GAR is to support Member States, of which South Africa is one for the implementation of epidemic preparedness and response plans in the context of the International Health Regulation (IHR) 2007. When new diseases develop and begin to spread, the threat they pose transcend national boundaries and require a coordinated, worldwide response. The province had been experiencing the RVF outbreak since March 2010. To date, 65 cases and eight deaths had been reported. Most of the cases had contact with animals or animal products like drinking raw milk of infected animals. The team visited abattoirs, clinics and talked to various professionals in Departments of Health and Agriculture. The team met and debriefed the MEC for Health. The outbreak does not pose any risks for the sporting event. Seen on the picture is:
Dr Nicolas Eseko – Harare Inter Country Support Team; Dr Zabulon Yoti – WHO, AFRO; Mr Rabothata Mokolokoto – Health Promotion National; Mr Eugene Mahlehla WHO-SA; Dr Charles Mugero –CDC National; Ms Noreen Crisp-CDC Province; Ms Takalani Nemungabi- Vector-borne diseases- National; Mr Mokete Phunganyo- SAFELTP student. ABSENT is Dr Pierre Formenty- Team Leader for Global Alert and Response (GAR)
Enquiries:
Andrid F. Scholtz
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel : 053 830 2000
Cell: 0824479696
Fax: 053 8331925
E-mail : ascholtz@ncpg.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Health
Northern Cape Province
21 May 2010