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Rotary health day comes to KwaNzimakwe

Attendees also benefited from services like psychosocial support, measles and polio vaccines, and basic eye testing with referrals.

The Nzimakwe Traditional Administration Centre in KwaNzimakwe came alive with vibrant energy as the Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast hosted the annual Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) event.

This three-day programme, now in its twelfth year, continues to make a significant impact by providing comprehensive, preventive health services for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The event, held in collaboration with the Ugu Health Department and various partners, saw residents from the rural South Coast village flocking to the venue to receive free health services.
Hospice, Childcare, Red Cross, Nonz Consulting, Siyakwasi Resource Centre and the Department of Social Development joined forces to offer a wide range of health programmes.

The Nonz team (from left) Nolitha Mketane, Mbali Cele and Tembisile Nobetsiki, with RFHD site coordinator Anne Thompson and President Mike Macrae from the Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast.

The Nzimakwe Traditional Administration Centre echoed with the rhythmic beats of the Msenti Academy Dance Group, captivating the audience and encouraging attendees to participate in health-focused exercises.
RFHD 2023 placed a spotlight on the crucial issue of maternal infections, emphasising the importance of early screening, treatment, and management during pregnancy.

The goal is to reduce the morbidity and mortality consequences on both mothers and children, addressing issues like congenital infections such as syphilis, HIV, prematurity, and maternal and child mortality.

Despite the event’s primary focus on mothers and children, it was notable that numerous elderly individuals sought health check-ups.

A particularly concerning incident during the opening ceremony drew attention when a woman collapsed.
Swift action by health professionals revealed extremely high blood pressure, and she was promptly taken to the nearest medical facility, ultimately saving her life.

Services rendered during the event included a variety of screenings such as pregnancy testing, cancer, HPV, and TB.
Child Health Services offered malnutrition screenings for children under five years old, HIV testing, and the distribution of male and female condoms.

Attendees also benefited from services like psychosocial support, measles and polio vaccines, and basic eye testing with referrals.
The event featured influential figures expressing their support and wisdom.

The Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast expressed profound appreciation for the invaluable contributions from all involved.

Yolanda Ngema (project coordinator at Promed Technologies) tests a senior citizen’s glucose levels at the RFHD site.

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