Hygiene at funerals of paramount importance during COVID-19
MyPressportal Team • April 30, 2020
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene at funerals has become of paramount importance. As current evidence from the World Health Organisation reports, the virus can be transferred from one surface to another by contaminated hands, which is why hand hygiene is extremely important to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Over the weekend, Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize has this to say; “We see when people are digging and covering the graves, that they pass a spade to each other to pour the sand. When they come back from the graveyards, they wash hands in one basin and have a buffet meal, where they use the same spoons to dish up. These issues are a real challenge and this is now a new reality that we have to be aware of.”
Now more than ever, mo-Wash
(a mobile hand-washer unit) is meeting a great need in South Africa, as its entrepreneurs provide a practical and cost effective solution to the market, aimed at tackling the challenge of maintaining good hygiene at funerals.
mo-Wash has a hands-free water delivery system with a timer that controls water flow, a solar panel to power the water station, plus a battery option, and even Wi-Fi. The unit delivers a powerful 10-second wash, but the owner can adjust the settings according to his or her needs. Unlike other competitors, the unit does not require a foot pump.
“mo-Wash is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of handwashing rituals and the role they play in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” says Godfrey Sono. Our business is considered an essential service, because it provides a much needed hygiene solution at funerals, and we are proud to serve our country during these difficult times.”
It is no surprise that regular handwashing can help prevent illness and is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. mo-Wash are open for hiring their services from major events to family gatherings, provided they prescribe to the lockdown regulations of not exceeding 50 people at once.
“Mould exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments, can lead to a variety of health symptoms — especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems,” warns Dr Raisa Bhikoo, a pulmonologist and specialist physician.
For many first-time mothers, the idea of weaning can feel overwhelming. paediatric neonatologist Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng from Netcare Park Lane Hospital offers guidance to help navigate this transition.
Cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of the Young Hearts Africa Foundation, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, has made it his life’s purpose to reach children with life-threatening heart defects like Baby Kendreya Pillay's before it is too late. Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has helped 30 children.
Focus on the Workforce this Winter
Urologists Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee, who practise at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, are encouraging men to prioritise prostate cancer screening this Men’s Health Month.
This Youth Month, a pharmacist from South Africa’s original national courier pharmacy highlights HIV prevention and effective management as key health concerns the youth should be aware of.
It has been estimated that 80% to 90% of doctors experience some form of burnout at some point in their careers. This can affect their ability to practise optimally and to connect with their patients with empathy and care. The consequences are serious, as burnout and depression are major risks for doctors, threatening both their wellbeing and the quality of care they provide.
Upbeat 25-year-old student Atang Climantine Makhubedu jokingly calls herself a cataract survivor. Just weeks before, however, she was battling the harsh reality of unexpected vision loss, which Dr Sachin Bawa, an ophthalmic surgeon practising at Netcare Linkwood Hospital, describes as having significantly impacted Atang’s daily life.
A South African first of its kind tool is transforming patient care locally by leveraging Netcare’s advanced electronic medical records system and abundant clinical data. This will help clinicians identify risk of deterioration from common causes earlier among intensive care patients so that treatment can start sooner.
Ditshegofatso Kgobisa, known as ‘DK’ for short, suffered kidney failure at 15. After 11 months reliant on lifesaving dialysis with National Renal Care, DK gained a new lease on life after his mother, Rosemary, was able to donate one of her kidneys to him.
