Question NW2974 to the Minister of Health
28 September 2023 - NW2974
Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department is responsible for ensuring that provincial departments devise programmes regarding prevention and education on cancer awareness; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, (a) what programmes have been devised by the KwaZulu-Natal Health department regarding prevention and education on cancer awareness in the specified province and (b) how does the staff reach the most remote areas of the province?
Reply:
The Department has developed the National Policy Framework and Strategy on the Prevention and Control of Cancer. This policy informs implementation of services, starting with prevention and awareness through to management and treatment and concluding with palliative care.
The Department is also administering Human Papilloma (HPV) vaccine to grade 5 girls aged 9 years and older for cancer prevention, since 2014. Other education measures include utilization of different media platforms in collaboration with provinces and non-governmental organisations and patient advocacy groups. These organisations work together with Provinces in conducting screening activities as well as providing education on cancer awareness.
(a) According to KwaZulu-Natal Health Department, specific programmes targeting cancer prevention and education in KwaZulu Natal include PhilaMa Campaign, UuMdlavuza Pap Smear Drive, and Large Loop Excision of the Tranformation Zone (LLETZ) Drive.
Public Awareness on cancer is done through health education sessions, MEC Community Outreach events such as Isibhedlela kubantu; Weekly MEC Live Lunch Time Chat in selected Radio Stations, Health Community Engagements and Community Radio Stations health slots to address various health topics.
The following prevention and education activities are ongoing:-
- Staff capacity building and training
- Facility based health awareness and Health Education,
- Provision of posters and pamphlets,
- Partnership with Cancer Association,
- Cancer screening during outreach programmes
(b) The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department indicated that they reach the most remote areas through:
- Services in health facilities in rural areas
- Cancer screening that is conducted during outreach programmes,
- Use of mobile vehicles of the Department and of partners
- MEC Community Outreach events such as Isibhedlela kubantu; Weekly MEC Live Lunch Time Chat in selected Radio Stations and Health Community Outreach Engagements.
END.