26 Jun 2014

Measles is said to be a cause of great concern in the Kgatleng District.

Speaking at the on- going full council meeting, council chairperson, Mr Tona Mooketsi said statistics for the fourth quarter showed that 210 out of 3 485 animals slaughtered in Kgatleng had measles.

Mr Mooketsi said this caused a lot of pain to cattle owners as they either got little returns or nothing at all from their cattle sales. “There is need for all stakeholders to come together to address this major setback since this condition is a result of ill health caused by both humans and livestock,” he said.

The council chairperson also stated that the Ministry of Health had adopted a strategy to promote uptake of high impact interventions, which contributed to accelerated reduction of child and maternal mortality in the country.

He said vitamin A supplements were provided in November and May every year, in addition to the routine activities that were done as part of the effort.

“In April 2014, four cases of malaria involving one adult and three children originating from Malolwane were diagnosed and treated as in-patients. There were also a few outbreaks of diarrhoea,” said Mr Mooketsi.

To address this problem public education at health facilities was emphasised especially as the country hosted the Africa Youth Games.

Mr Mooketsi said the Ministry of Health had outsourced distribution of drugs and medical supplies to Botswana Couriers who will distribute to all districts while the Central Medical Stores focuses on procurement and supply.

“It is believed these measures will improve distribution of drugs to districts including Kgatleng. We have identified Deborah Retief Memorial hospital and Morwa warehouse as the two district level receiving points,” he said.

Through the new arrangement, primary health care facilities will receive their supplies from Morwa warehouse while the hospital will get its supplies from the DRM pharmacy store. Pharmacy technicians for the clusters are expected to improve drug management.

Regarding ARV services, Mr Mooketsi said all 27 health facilities now dispense ARV’s and they have trained officers to facilitate availability of ARV prescriptions.

He added that currently a total of 8 874 clients are on ARV treatment in the district. Mr Mooketsi also said the linen output has improved in the hospital as there are two washing machines and two dryers.

The hospital has also purchased about 250 blankets, patient gowns and pyjamas. Ends