WIDENING THE NET PUSELETSO MOMPEI looks at how the prevailing medical-related issues post-COVID-19 have redirected CSI spend in the health sector
DISCOVERY HEALTH RESPONDS TO COVID-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic started, South Africa’s prevailing social challenges did not go away. Since the country went into lockdown, the focus has primarily been on relief around COVID-19. Discovery’s head of Corporate Sustainability Ruth Lewin says that during lockdown the Discovery Fund received many emails from partner organisations communicating that it was a time of extreme distress for them. “The two key messages received was that their core activities were suspended to address more immediate emerging needs and that planned fundraising events and activities had to be cancelled. This left them with massive funding gaps that threatened their existence,” says Lewin. “So plans were then made to assist organisations in various areas.” When StatsSA reported that the number of respondents who reported experiencing hunger since the start of lockdown had increased, Lewin says food security became a priority. Discovery employees responded by preparing and distributing 11 650 meals to selected nonprofit organisations (NPOs). While the pandemic presents a physical danger, mental stress has also increased.
EASING THE BURDEN OF SURGERY FOR CHILDREN Surgery is tough for anyone, but more so for children. The financial, psychological, and physical pressure surgery puts on a child and their family takes a huge toll. These concerns are what led a small group of paediatric surgeons and others passionate about helping less fortunate children to start Surgeons for Little Lives. This nonprofit organisation (NPO) relies on help from corporate partners to support young patients needing surgery. John Jutzen, CEO of healthcare solutions provider Kaelo, says: “Our combined passion and commitment to providing quality healthcare is the reason we support Surgeons for Little Lives.
20
“We decided to offer the wellbeing support services from our Healthy Company to identified healthcare workers in our beneficiary organisations,” explains Lewin. “Two virtual group sessions were arranged with each organisation in which stress and anxiety relating to the health crisis was addressed and the coping strategies and safety measures put out by the government were discussed.” A further initiative was the distribution of an educational video on the effective prevention of COVID-19 to schools. And, several employees in the Digital Channels’ team participated in a global hackathon to develop solutions for COVID-19. Faced with the prospect of operating in a new normal after the pandemic, NPO principals indicated that they needed support to improve their position to obtain corporate sponsorship. Discovery employees responded by helping to develop business documents, proposals and policies for Orange Farm-based NPOs
“Our support is intended to ensure that Surgeons for Little Lives can continue improving the lives of even more sick children and their families, enabling them to receive a high standard of care provided by highly skilled surgeons.” Some of the projects include providing play areas for recuperating children and revamping hospital paediatric wards. Kaelo has provided financial support and donated art supplies to help traumatised, injured or sick children express their pain and fear through creativity. It has been found that play and creativity help children be more positive and recover quicker from surgery.
such as Lusemanzi ECD, Wise Kids ECD and Kganya Day Care, among others. Known for its use of innovation, Discovery partnered with Vodacom to provide in-home virtual care. Dr Ronald Whelan, Discovery Health’s chief commercial officer and head of Discovery’s COVID-19 task team, explains that digital healthcare technologies played an instrumental role in South Africa’s response to COVID-19 by increasing access to care, improving clinical outcomes and streamlining healthcare delivery. “This partnership has provided access to 100 000 virtual doctor consults for the benefit of all South Africans while social distancing. It has also likely prevented numerous infections among doctors in South Africa, thereby strengthening the health system during the pandemic.” Whelan says the partnership will go a long way towards alleviating any increased pressure on healthcare practitioners while simultaneously empowering citizens by connecting them to doctors. Ruth Lewin
Kaelo CEO John Jutzen cycling the 2019 Joberg2c in support of Surgeons for Little Lives
CSI
CSI_Health.indd 20
2020/11/18 3:50 PM
