16 Mar 2017

There has been a significant decline in the number of diarrhoea cases since the introduction of Rota virus vaccine in 2012, health and wellness assistant minister, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele has said.

He told Parliament on Wednesday, that his ministry introduced the rotavirus vaccine in 2012 for children to prevent diarrhoea due to rotavirus.

He said they continue to make oral rehydration salts and zinc sulphate available in the homes for immediate use in children with diarrhoea.

He further explained that health talks and prevention messages are given to parents on how to prevent and treat diarrhoea early to prevent dehydration, adding that there are also given routinely in morning talks at health facilities.

Meanwhile, Mr Makgalemele said a total of 11 diarrhoeal cases have been reported since last year to date.

He nevertheless said a total of 419 diarrhoeal cases were recorded in Khudumelapye clinic since 2011. He also said 133 cases were recorded in 2011 during the rotavirus diarrhoeal outbreak.

Member of Parliament for Takatokwane, Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked the minister if he is aware of how many diarrhoea cases were recorded at Khudumelapye clinic since 2011.

MP Ngaka had also wanted to know how many lives were lost because of diarrhoea, and what measures are in place to address the problem. ENDS