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Municipal Health

27 October 2022 Media Release: Do you meet the standards for food premises?

Media Release: Do you meet the standards for food premises?

For immediate release
27 October 2022

In order to ensure safety and wholesomeness, food that comes from a food establishment must always be clean and hygienic. Food premises can be kept hygienic by adhering to regulations.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are required by law to monitor all food-processing establishments. Regular monitoring of all food establishments is done on a monthly basis in accordance with Regulations 328 of 2007, POWERS AND DUTIES OF INSPECTORS AND ANALYSTS CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS AND ANALYSES ON FOODSTUFFS AND AT FOOD PREMISES.

The business of a food premises is governed by the requirements set out in REGULATIONS 638 OF 22 June 2018, REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, promulgated under the FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

It is stated in the regulations that a food establishment must be located, designed, constructed, and finished in such a manner that food can be handled hygienically on the premises at any time without creating a health hazard.

In addition, all interior surfaces of walls, sides or ceilings or of roofs without ceilings and the surfaces of the floor must not have open joints or open seams and must be made of smooth, rust-free, non-toxic, cleanable and non-absorbent material that is dust proof and water resistant. Furthermore, with having clean premises, ensuring good hygienic conditions also include proper personal hygiene of food handlers.

Personal hygiene:

  1. Food handlers should wear clean Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) every day. If single-use PPE is used, it should be removed at the end of each shift, work day and in-between breaks.
  2. Reusable PPE can be used multiple times if it is kept in a clean and hygienic condition.

A smart idea to ensure that food handlers have clean PPEs every day is to provide them with more than one set (one on, one in the cupboard and one in the wash).

  1. A crucial step in ensuring that food is hygienic is handwashing – as often as possible during the shift or work day.

Hands should be washed with running water, hand soap and dried with disposable hand-drying material or other hand drying facilities.

Proper pest control measures are essential on food premises to ensure hygienic conditions. Pests can be a major source of contamination of foodstuffs in any food premises.

In order to prevent rodent and roach infestations, food needs to be stored appropriately. Bulk stock, previously opened, should be stored in containers with tight fitting lids to safeguard against pests.

These are just a few of the areas mentioned to ensure that food can be handled hygienically at all times on a food premises. Clean food premises and wholesome food will always have happy clients.

For any further information, questions, comments or queries, please contact us at the respective Regional GRDM offices as follows:

Head-Office
Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Klein Karoo and Kannaland Region
Desmond Paulse – Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mossel Bay
Sam Bendle – Chief: Municipal Health (Mossel Bay),
Tel:  044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
Address C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

George Wilderness
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Wilderness (George)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

Knysna Region
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou Region
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
Address: 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa Region
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

ENDS

26 October 2022 Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

Media Release: Kids from Plett Primary School reminded of the importance of clean hands

For Immediate Release
26 October 2022

Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to minimise the spread of germs. Keeping hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu.

In honour of this year’s Global Handwashing Day with the theme “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene,” Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali visited Plett Pre-primary School to refresh learners and educators about the importance of washing hands. The topics of “the appropriate times to wash hands” and “how to clean hands properly,” were also discussed.

Global Handwash Day is an annual reminder that handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. That is why handwashing is essential, especially when preparing a meal, before enjoying a meal, using the bathroom and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. After changing baby nappies and handling waste, hands should also be washed.

In closing, the kids enjoyed an activity demonstrated by the team, to illustrate how hands should be washed. The principal of the facility expressed words of gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the school in the fight against the occurrence of diseases that can be prevented by washing hands properly and often.

Clean hands save lives.

Did you know?

Educating people about handwashing helps them and their communities to stay healthy. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show that handwashing education in the community can:

  • Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhoea by about 23%–40%
  • Reduce the number of school days children missed because of gastrointestinal illness by 29%–57%
  • Reduce diarrhoeal illness in people with weakened immune systems by about 58%
  • Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16%–21%

Feature Image: EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe, Sophia Marthinus and Nokuphiwa Mbali with the learners of Plett Pre-primary School during their visit. Zoleka Goniwe (left) and Sophia Marthinus (right), demonstrating the proper handwash techniques to all present.

ENDS

14 October 2022 Media Release: Health Education Committee invited to witness youth who dance with ‘change in mind’

Media Release: Health Education Committee invited to witness youth who dance with ‘change in mind’

For Immediate Release
14 October 2022

A small group of youngsters known as the ‘Spiritual Dance Group’ from the Kwanokutula community in Riversdale, Hessequa, last week performed various dance routines choreographed by Rebecca Johnson, Suikerbossie Soup Kitchen. Rebecca invited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Health Education Committee to witness several of their performances. The theme of their dance routines revolved around illegal dumping, hand washing, looking after your environment and self-love.

The GRDM Health Education Committee, which consists of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), was recently established and exists for the following reasons: 

  • municipal health education needs of the community are addressed by improving the GRDM municipal health education;
  • standardise and streamline GRDM municipal health education materials; and
  • increase public awareness pertaining to the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services.

EHPs have a statutory obligation to ensure that everyone lives in an environment that is not harmful to his or her health and well-being according to Section 24 of the Constitution of South Africa.

PERFORMANCE BY DANCE GROUP

Upon arrival at the old Kwanokutula sports field, EHPs were met by a group of kids between the ages of five (5) and 15. Parents, in full support of the initiative, were present as they cheered the kids who performed with precision. EHPs also joined the various groups when they danced alongside the kids in support of the initiative.

According to the Chairperson of the Health and Education Committee, Jessica Erasmus: “It is not often you find a passionate young group of children pouring their hearts out in dance and especially a dance to promote a cleaner environment, amongst others. With young children taking a stance like this, we need to show our support for them as young ambassadors for the community. We will continue to support initiatives like these and hope to have more youthful groups cross our paths to fight for a cleaner environment together and to eradicate illegal dumping as a team.”

THE STORY BEHIND REBECCA’S INSPIRATION

When asked how she came up with the idea, Rebecca said: “At the nearby bus stop with a few of my friends, Hannelie Claassen, Claradene Blaauw, Juanita Jafta and Ronica Maans, we saw bullying taking place and then decided to stand by the children to ensure it didn’t happen again. What happened in the past was that whenever a bus arrived, the older kids would push the younger ones to the back. There’s a system in place now that allows the shortest kids to stand in front while the taller kids stand in the back. After we resolved that issue, I thought about some fun, activities for kids to build relations. It’s easy for kids to get involved in the wrong things when they’re bored, which is why I recruited them for spiritual dance classes.”

MORE ABOUT REBECCA AND HER FAMILY

Rebecca has lived in Kwanokutula for 12 years. She used to be a Sunday school teacher and started a soup kitchen about four months ago. She is a mother of a 23-year-old son, 14- and 12-year-old daughters, and a 27-year-old daughter with one child. With her passion for kids, she’s also adopting six and eight-year-olds from a neighbourhood where parents struggle with substance abuse. “I want my house to become a permanent home for them,” said Rebecca.

VOORSTELLE VIR ‘N SKOON OMGEWING

Volgens Raadslid Betsie van Noordwyk van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit wat woon in die Hessequa-streek, is daar al pogings aangewend om Kwanokutula skoon te maak, maar onwettige storting gaan voort. “Ek het self al vir ure rommel opgetel, maar die volgende dag het dit weer dieselfde gelyk”. Rdl. Van Noordwyk moedig die publiek aan om ten alle tye op ‘n verantwoordelike manier op te tree. “Die impak van onwettige storting kan tot baie ernstige implikasies lei”.

“Onwettige storting lok, onder andere, muise en rotte wat siektes aan mense kan versprei. Siektes sluit in die Hantavirus Pulmonêre Sindroom, Leptospirose, Rat-bytkoors, Salmonellose, Tularemia and Limfositiese Chorio-mengitis,” het Rdl van Noordwyk gesê.

Onwettige storting moet aangemeld word by plaaslike munisipaliteite.

ENDS

6 October 2022 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate communities in celebration of World Environmental Health Day

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate communities in celebration of World Environmental Health Day

For immediate release
6 October 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations as a worldwide call-to-action, to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity now and in the future. Environmental Health plays an essential role in the implementation of these SDGs.

As World Environmental Health Day was celebrated on 26 September 2022, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also contributed to this world-wide initiative and rolled out awareness and education campaigns in the Mossel Bay, Klein Karoo and Bitou areas. This year’s theme was “Strengthening Environmental Health Systems for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Mossel Bay

EHPs from the GRDM Municipal Health office in Mossel Bay, embarked on a campaign to educate the community of Mossel Bay about environmental health issues that could affect their health and overall well-being.

FLTR: Environmental Health Practitioners David Malok (left), Carin Olwagen (Registered Psychological Counsellor, Department of Health – second, left), Monique Anthony (middle), Anelisa Fizani (second, right) and Neo-lay Britz (right) at a clinic in Mossel Bay.

The team informed communities on why and where to report health violations and what individuals can do to minimise risks relating to their health. To demonstrate these risks, a short video clip was played at the D’Almeida and Asla Clinics in the area with the help of Carin Olwagen, a registered Psychological Counsellor at the D’Almeida Clinic.

While the team distributed pamphlets in the area as part of the campaign activities, they also explained the purpose of the Environmental Health function to community members.

In closing, containers were placed at both clinics, to allow the public to insert and report any complaints in relation to health violations. Complainants also have the option to do this anonymously. Over two hundred (200) pamphlets were distributed during the campaign.

Bridgton, Oudtshoorn

GRDM Environmental Health Practitioner, Willie Plaatjies, in discussion with a resident of the Klein Karoo area, during the door-to-door campaign.

The EHPs from the GRDM’s Municipal Health office in Oudtshoorn, collaborated with the Environmental Officer and Cleansing Services section of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality to roll out a clean-up and awareness activity regarding illegal waste dumping in Oudtshoorn. The programme was rolled out to ensure clean and hygienic conditions in the community of Old-Bridgton.

The clean-up operation was done by Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Cleansing Services section and the activities involved the collection of illegally dumped waste, sweeping streets in the neighbourhood, as well as the transport and disposal of waste at the Grootkop waste landfill site. A health awareness and education campaign was essential to ensure sustainability during this waste clean-up project. EHPs from the GRDM’s Oudtshoorn office conducted door-to-door education and awareness in the illegal dumping hotspot areas to inform the public of the health risks posed by illegal waste sites in the community.

Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants, appointed by the local municipality, are trained by EHPs as peer educators and were utilised to assist them with door-to-door awareness and education activities.

The team further collaborated with different community stakeholders and role-players (e.g. church leaders) and the local municipality to develop appropriate health education material and different methodologies e.g. pamphlets, posters, fridge magnets etc. to conduct health and hygiene awareness and education.

The discussions of the campaign included the following:

  • Health risks of illegal dump sites which attract vectors like mice, rats, flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches etc. This in turn, spreads communicable diseases such as encephalitis, dengue fever, leptospirosis etc. Furthermore, toxic releases from illegal dumpsites lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Children sometimes play at the sites and step on broken glass, nails and sharp  objects – in some cases this can be fatal.
  • The correct way to manage waste in black bags, rubbish bins or skips for garden waste.
  • Where illegal dumping can be reported at the local municipality.
  • Waste removal arrangements on public holidays.

Through this initiative 140 households were reached.

An open space that was previously used as a dumping site is now planned to be used by the community as netball and cricket fields.

To measure the success of this initiative, monitoring and evaluation of areas will be done by the GRDM team, to determine the impact of the campaign performed by the EHPs and EPWP workers.

Bitou

Bitou’s EHPs  visited the Kranshoek Primary School to inform learners and educators on what Environmental Health function entails (Scope of Practise).  The team also explained all the nine (9) Municipal Health key performance areas in detail.

GRDM’s Environmental Health Practitioner, Nokuphiwa Mbali, demonstrating proper hand wash techniques to the learners during the session.

In addition, they conducted and presented a hand-wash activity to the learners and explained to them what the proper techniques of washing hands are and the importance of clean hands for ones health. All learners showed their eagerness and enjoyed the activities during the session. The principal extended a word of gratitude to the team and thanked them for their role in educating the communities of the Kranshoek area.

Did you know?

Municipal Health Services is defined in the National Health Act, 2003 include the following Key Performance Areas: Water Quality Monitoring, Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises, Supervision and Prevention of Contagious Diseases (excluding Immunization), Vector Control, Environmental Pollution Control, the Disposal of Human Remains and the Safe handling of Chemical Substances. (This excludes port health, malaria control and control of hazardous substances. The above-mentioned aspects are mentioned in the Scope of Environmental Health Practitioners).

Environmental Health Practitioners have a statutory obligation to protect the health of the present and the future generations as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

ENDS

27 September 2022 Media Release: Food safety during load shedding

Media Release: Food safety during load shedding

For immediate release
27 September 2022

Load shedding occurs often in South Africa. The length and frequency of load shedding may have an impact on how safe the food is in a refrigerator.

Below are important advice and useful information on how to keep food safe during periods of loadshedding.

As long as it is cold, food should be safe.

Food in a refrigerator should be safe if there are no more than four hours of power outages; the refrigerator door is closed; and the temperature of the refrigerator was 4 °C at the start of load shedding.

Food safety issues, including spoiling, are especially likely to occur with perishable goods. Examples are:

  • Fresh meat                                                                   
  • Fresh poultry
  • Fresh fish
  • Milk
  • Soft cheeses
  • Possibly even leftovers, depending on how long they were in the fridge prior to load shedding.

The recommended temperature for refrigerators is 4°C or below, although in South Africa, consumer refrigerators often operate at higher temperatures.

It is then best to discard foods in the above list if the outage is longer than 2 hours AND where the fridge temperature is higher than 4°C. Keeping a thermometer in the fridge is the only way to monitor desired fridge temperatures.

Different bacteria start growing at different minimum temperatures, but for every 1°C increase above that minimum growth temperature, bacteria in food grows (double themselves) faster.  It is therefore essential to keep the door closed to ensure that the temperature stays as low as possible during the power outage.

If the freezer door is kept closed, frozen food will stay frozen for around 48 hours. Perishable food must be cooked as soon as possible if they begin to thaw for any reason since they CANNOT be refrozen.

Given the price of food, one is hesitant to throw it out, yet you cannot taste or smell unhealthy food. Unsafe food may still smell and taste quite fine, but when a meal smells “wrong” it typically indicates deterioration and the consumer should not eat it.

If the load shedding schedule is known, one can prepare for it as follows:

  • Ensure the temperature in the refrigerator is 4 °C or as near to it as feasible.
  • Frozen leftovers, milk, fresh meat and poultry, fish, and other goods can be moved from the refrigerator to the freezer that you might not need right away.
  • Buy fresh food in smaller quantities, prepare it fast, and enjoy it instead of buying it in bulk and storing it in the refrigerator for a long time if there is no freezer accessible.
  • Consider purchasing long-lasting items, such as unopened canned foods and sterile or UHT drinks, all of which have a lengthy shelf life outside of the refrigerator, once they’re opened, they too need to be chilled.
  • To keep perishable goods as cold as possible for as long as possible, you can also place ice packs around them in the fridge.

ENDS

Wrap-up of today’s Environmental Health Day talks by the Executive Manager of Community Services, Clive Africa

Wrap-up of today’s Environmental Health Day talks by the Executive Manager of Community Services, Clive Africa

“Section 24 of the Constitution of South Africa reads that everyone has a right to a safe and healthy environment. At the Garden Route District Municipality, we, the administration and our political elected officials, are very serious about protecting the rights of our citizens. Municipal Health Services in the district are performed by our 40 Environmental Health Practitioners, previously known as Health Inspectors. These officials do regular health and hygiene inspections at schools, créches, shops, butcheries, barber shops, hospitals and many other facilities.”

“I think you would agree with me that we live in one of the most beautiful places in our country and we have a collective responsibility to preserve our heritage – especially for future generations to come. But, we are noting that the issue of illegal dumping is becoming a huge problem within our communities. Illegal dumpsites are places where diseases easily spread and where rats and other vectors breed. These places are causing our people and in particular, children, to get sick. We have seen this, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and many families have lost loved ones because of this illness.”

“We, therefore, urge the people of the district to eliminate illegal dumping within the next 5 years. Now, this is achievable – if everyone works together, we can do it!”

“We ask you to report any incidents of illegal dumping at your local municipal offices. The motto of municipal health is “prevention is better than cure”. We will continue to urge the public to still apply good hygiene practices by continuing to wash hands and sanitise regularly.”

“Health education remains one of our most critical functions and we will keep on informing the public on any health-related issue because what you don’t know can possibly harm you or kill you,” – Clive Africa, Executive Manager: Community Services, Garden Route District Municipality.

 

Read more about Environmental Health Practitioners here.

#WEHD2022 #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #education #teamsontheground #saveearth #environment #environmenthealth #EHP #GardenRouteDM #GardenRoute #SouthAfrica #WesternCape #SDG #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #UN #UnitedNations #IllegalDumping #StopIllegalDumping

An Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) explains our role in the Disposal of the Dead

An Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) explains our role in the Disposal of the Dead

“Disposal of the dead is one of the nine key municipal health functions performed by EHP. It is governed by the Regulations relating to the Management of Human Remains, Regulation number 363 of 22 May 2013, promulgated under the National Health Act 61 of 2003.

For EHPs, the disposal of the dead involves the monitoring of funeral undertakers, mortuaries, crematoriums and cemeteries for compliance and also the management, control and monitoring of exhumation, rebuttal and disposal of human remains.

Currently, as it stands, ESKOM has continued to implement load-shedding for weeks. It is for this reason that Environmental Health Practitioners urge all funeral undertakers, crematoria and mortuaries to have a backup plan (like generators during load-shedding). Fridges need to keep running during power outages to prevent bodies from decomposing. The decomposed bodies do not only compromise the dignity of the deceased but also pose health threats for those exposed,” – Khanyisa Shoto, Environmental Health Practitioner, Garden Route District Municipality.

Read more about Environmental Health Practitioners here.

#WEHD2022 #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #education #teamsontheground #saveearth #environment #environmenthealth #EHP #GardenRouteDM #GardenRoute #SouthAfrica #WesternCape #DisposalOfTheDead #Exhumation #Rebuttal #Funeral #Mortuary

Prevention and surveillance of Communicable Diseases by Environmental Health Practitioners

Prevention and surveillance of Communicable Diseases by Environmental Health Practitioners

“Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread from one person to another through a variety of ways. These include contact with blood, and body fluids, breathing air-borne viruses or being bitten by certain insects, amongst others. Communicable diseases include hundreds of viral or bacterial infections, of which some most prevalent include Covid-19, TB, Hepatitis-B and others. You can prevent the spread of communicable diseases by keeping a social distance between yourself and others. Also, avoid contact with contaminated surfaces. Last, and a very important point – always keep your hands clean – wash your hands regularly,” – Sive Mkuta, Environmental Health Practitioner, Garden Route District Municipality.

Read more about Environmental Health Practitioners here.

#WEHD2022 #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #education #teamsontheground #saveearth #environment #environmenthealth #EHP #GardenRouteDM #GardenRoute #SouthAfrica #WesternCape #Covid19 #TB #CommunicableDiseases #Health

Illegal dumping and its impacts on the health and environment (and our water)

Illegal dumping and its impacts on the health and environment (and our water)

“Illegal dumping is one of the biggest challenges we face as environmental health petitioners on a daily basis. The reason for this is that illegal dump sites causes the spread of bacteria, diseases, causes rodent infestations, causes water, soil, and air pollution and it also blocks our water network systems. Our plea with you today is to help us protect the health of the community, to help us protect your health. Please report any illegal damping to your local municipalities. And please dispose of your waste in an approved manner. Let’s be the changes in our communities and let’s curb illegal dumping together.” Jessica Erasmus, Environmental Health Practitioner, Garden Route District Municipality.

To report illegal dumping in your area, contact:
𝗛𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 028 713 8020 or e-mail info@hessequa.gov.za
𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 044 606 5143 or 044 606 500 or 44802 (SMS) or e-mail admin@mosselbay.gov.za
𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 044 801 6350 or e-mail sprins@george.gov.za
𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 044 302 6405 / 081 556 3974 (W’App) or e-mail rloxton@knysna.gov.za
𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 044 501 3174/5 or e-mail customercare@bitou.gov.za
𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗱𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 044 203 3900 or 044 203 7800/1
𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Call 078 409 9064

Read more about Environmental Health Practitioners here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/municipal-health-services/

#WEHD2022 #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #education #teamsontheground #saveearth #environment #environmenthealth #EHP #GardenRouteDM #GardenRoute #SouthAfrica #WesternCape

 

A snapshot of Vector Control – a function of Environmental Health Practitioners

A snapshot of Vector Control – a function of Environmental Health Practitioners

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“Today I am going to be speaking about one of the nine (9) functional areas of Municipal Health Services, which is Vector Controlling. Some interesting statistics – according to research, vector-borne diseases account for approximately 17% of the estimated global burden of infectious diseases. Now, what are these vectors? Vectors include insects or animals that spread an infectious disease through a bite or contact with urine, faeces, blood or other body excretions or fluids. Vectors include mosquitoes, flies, ticks, rodents, cockroaches or fleas. Diseases spread by vectors include malaria, Dengue fever, Zika virus, Yellow fever, Rift Valley fever and plague. The role of an Environmental Health Practitioner in vector controlling is to; one, understand the vector, and how it transmits infectious pathogens; two – to monitor the possible existence of environmental factors that can create a conducive environment for vectors; three – to conduct case investigations of vectors; lastly – health education on preventative measures. Preventative measures for pest control include proper waste management, good housekeeping, and elimination or removal of conducive environments that will lead to the breeding of pests. It is of utmost importance for businesses to have a pest control programme in place.

The effective execution of pest control programmes must be regularly monitored. Therefore, EHPs appeal to the public to report any nuisance caused by vectors to the Municipal Health Section of Garden Route District Municipality on 044 803 1300,” – Lusizo Kwetshube, Environmental Health Practitioner, Garden Route District Municipality.

Regional contact numbers of EHP Chiefs:

𝗛𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝗿. 𝗛𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗲𝗹𝘀 – Cell: +27(0)83 678 6545
𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘆: 𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 – Cell: +27(0)83 630 6108
𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗮: 𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀 – Cell: +27(0)78 457 2824
𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗠𝗿. 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗮𝘁𝗵 – Cell: +27(0)83 644 8858
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