Mums Appreciation Day in Ward 16

By Xpress Reporter

A new home, new furniture, a fresh start and restored dignity. This is what it felt like for Mrs Hadebe, an elderly resident of Chris Hani (KwaDukuza Ward 15) after the ANC visited her family to hand over a brand new house. The handover ceremony took place on Saturday. The house has been built as part of the ANC's Letsema Programme (working together for a common purpose).

ANC KwaDukuza SubRegional Secretary Xolani Mbhele said all structures of the ruling party, viz the Sub Region, the REC, the PEC, the Youth League and the Women's League were part of the programme.

The beneficiary lives with three grandchildren, whose lives will now change for the better. Mbhele says the ANC will be embarking on more programmes as part of Letsema.

Mothers' Day came just a tad early for elderly mothers in ward 16, after DA PR councillor Nerish Singh together with the DA Ward 16 branch hosted Mums

Appreciation Day at the Mdoniville Community hall, on Saturday. The guest speaker on the day was the recently elected DA KZN provincial deputy leader, Sithembiso Ngema. Over 100 mums came out to revel in much love, and to enjoy the sponsored meals and gift vouchers. Cllr Singh would like to thank all the sponsors for the success of the event.

Covid-19 “no longer public health emergency”

The Department of Health says it has noted an announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

“However, it is important to clarify that this doesn't mean the pandemic is over,” the department said at the weekend.

“The Department has however warned that the pandemic remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality especially in high risk populations such as the elderly and people living with comorbidities.

The Department explained that the number of cases is far lower at the current moment than during the height of the pandemic, hence it is no longer viewed as a public health emergency. Meanwhile, the department, in line with WHO recommendations, continues to recommend vaccination especially for high routine health services and will continue to offer services aimed at preventing and treating COVID, including vaccination services.

On Thursday, the Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, told the Presidential Health Summit delegates warned that COVID-19 is not over.

He announced that the country still has about 25 million vaccine doses and urged those who have not had their booster shots to get the jab, as winter approaches.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Emergency Committee members highlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19 related hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

“The committee's position has been evolving over the last several months. While acknowledging the remaining uncertainties posted by potential evolution of SARS-CoV-2, they advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He said COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

Ghebreyesus said the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency is a moment for reflection.

“The painful lessons we have learned, the investments we have made, and the capacity we have built must be transformed into meaningful and lasting change.