Healthcare Workers PPE Shortages and Stockouts Support Project

Dr Jeremy Nel - 5TH Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Conference (20-23 Oct) - CHAIR Register to secure you place: www.sahcsconference.co.zaDr Jeremy Nel shares some conference highlights - "our focus in the conference remains on providing p...

'Now, a year and a half since the first reports of SARS-CoV-2 infections, scientists still are investigating how HIV infection may affect the outcome of an infection with this coronavirus.
The issue is complex.' Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/coronavirusfrontlines/2021/08/06/how-does-covid-19-impact-people-with-hiv-its-not-completely-clear-yet/?sh=35dc742850d6

How Does Covid-19 Impact People With HIV? It’s Not Completely Clear Yet Infectious disease expert Dr. Dave Wessner explores new research about how Covid-19 may impact the health of people with HIV.

Happy to all the dedicated women in , we celebrate your phenomenal commitment in some of the most challenging times we’ve ever been facing. Remember to take care of yourself! Stay strong and keep shining!

Join the popular SAHCS Conference virtually this year, learn from 60 + outstanding national and international speakers covering more than 50 clinical, scientific and health practice topics
Register here: www.sahcsconference.co.za

https://twitter.com/eNCA/status/1406915080323751938?s=20

eNCA on Twitter “[BREAKING NEWS] The SANDF deployment to help fight COVID-19 in Gauteng will arrive this afternoon. SANDF members will augment existing capacity in the province. Gauteng is South Africa's COVID-19 epicentre”

All about how, who can and where to get a COVID - jab see the video - stay safe https://bhekisisa.org/multimedia/2021-06-07-video-how-to-vax-a-nation-a-dummys-guide-to-getting-a-covid-jab/?utm_source=Bhekisisa%20in%20your%20inbox&utm_campaign=8d5c948932-Bhekisisa_Newsletter_7June2021&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cd2e6e958b-8d5c948932-236978549&mc_cid=8d5c948932&mc_eid=1f9681e60b

[VIDEO] How to vax a nation – A dummy’s guide to getting a COVID jab – Bhekisisa You can only get in line for a COVID-19 vaccine if you register. Here’s how to do it.

Growing awareness of infection numbers rising https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/free-state-hospitals-filling-up-with-covid-19-patients-as-infections-surge/

Free State hospitals filling up with COVID-19 patients as infections surge - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. The Free State Health Department says one of the hospitals in Bloemfontein is already full of COVID-19 patients.

A sanitisation programme will see 5500 minibus taxis, belonging to unsubsidised operators, being sanitised on a daily basis. https://risingsunoverport.co.za/96344/more-than-5000-minibus-taxis-to-be-sanitised/

More than 5000 minibus taxis to be sanitised | Rising Sun Overport eThekwini Transport Authority, in partnership with the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council (EMTC), launched the vehicle sanitisation programme at the Chesterville Taxi Rank, last Friday.

"Between 3 May 2020 and 16 January 2021, the number of excess deaths in South Africa was more than 106,000. This is the estimate of the latest weekly Medical Research Council mortality report. These excess deaths are, either directly or indirectly, due to the Covid-19 epidemic." Read more
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-01-24-over-100000-south-africans-have-probably-died-of-covid-19/

GroundUp: Over 100,000 South Africans have probably died of Covid-19 Between 3 May 2020 and 16 January 2021, the number of excess deaths in South Africa was more than 106,000. This is the estimate of the latest weekly Medical Research Council mortality report. These excess deaths are, either directly or indirectly, due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

“This virus has totally changed the way that we work,” says Claire, “We can’t just rush in like we used to. Now, we have to evaluate the situation carefully, and put on all of our PPE (personal protective equipment) before we can attend to a patient.” Read more: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-01-18-covid-19-this-second-wave-is-relentless-say-paramedics/

GROUNDUP : Covid-19: This second wave is relentless, say paramedics ‘This virus has totally changed the way that we work,’ claim paramedics dogged by ‘Covid fatigue’ and hazardous working environments.

Vaccination Training for Healthcare Workers:
COVID-19 Vaccination Training for Healthcare Workers orientation session from Friday, 15 January 2021. The session recording and PowerPoint slides are available on the Knowledge Hub.

Course registration:
• New users can register for the course by following this link https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/form/covid-19-vaccination-training. Login details will be sent within 48 hours.
• Existing KH users must not re-register but self-enrol using their existing username and password to access the course by clicking on “Enrol me”. https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/lms/course/view.php?id=64.
Course dates and duration:
• 15 January – 03 February 2021 (14 hours overall)

Course modules:
This training has seven modules. Each module consists of two parts:
1. Self-directed video lecture, with an accompanying transcript and other supporting documents.
2. Live Zoom webinar interactive session with experts.

Participants are required to download and listen to these recorded video lectures and review any supporting documents, before participating in Part 2. Participants can post questions on the Discussion Forum on the Knowledge Hub. These questions will be answered during Part 2.

Course requirements, CPD points and certificate requirements:
• Device and internet connectivity to attend live interactive session. Accessing the course materials and recorded lectures is free as the Knowledge Hub is zero rated.
• Attendance of each session will be recorded, and CPD points will be given pro rata.
• This course is CPD-accredited with the HPCSA for 14 Level 1 points (12 general points; 2 ethics points)

For course related content, please email Ms Thabile Msila [email protected].

For queries or technical assistance, please email [email protected].

Thank you for your participation.

KH Team
Human Resource Strategic Programmes
National Department of Health
www.knowledgehub.org.za

Download the KH Moodle mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Pharmacies to assist in vaccine roll out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqZQ4bo7c98

Pharmacy Association ready for roll out | COVID-19 vaccine South Africa is expected to roll out vaccinations from March. The Independent Community Pharmacy Association of South Africa says it's ready. Dan Mo...

COVID-19: VISUAL ESSAY: Gauteng doctors on second wave: ‘Our health system is overwhelmed — we are traumatised for life’ As Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Steve Biko Academic Hospital CEO Dr Mathabo Mathebula tried on Monday to explain away images of gravely ill patients being treated in pouring rain in tents outside the hospital, healthcare workers have broken their silence about the conditions under which they wo...

This virus is catchy - we need vaccines urgently An infectiouse diseases scientist describes how despite taking precautions her entire household is sick with Covid

Health workers demand vaccine rollout | News24 There are at least three Covid-19 vaccines that have been approved by reputable health regulatory organisations around the world and many countries have begun rolling out vaccines, but not South Africa.

“Our hospitals, both private and public, are already close to full capacity in a number of provinces, and ICU beds are either full already or rapidly filling up,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.Read more ; https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/doctor-shares-heartfelt-plea-help-us-save-ourselves/?fbclid=IwAR0525vtU3EmFal8I9lxBzcj3fCx3eudwLS-hjhV-QZA5FiWZg9ptEQXm9I Southern African HIV Clinicians Society

Doctor Shares Heartfelt Plea With South Africa! Help Us Save Ourselves! We did not sign up for a pandemic when we got into med school and nursing college, but dear god did we step up to the plate.   Johannesburg, South Afri

"Mkhize announced that in a few days, the government will be welcoming 2,367 medical interns and 1,693 medical community service practitioners who will form part of a 7,895-strong community service workforce from all categories.

“This will provide relief to our exhausted front-line workers.”

On the supply of personal protective equipment for them, he said: “Currently, overall availability of PPE is at 87.1%. We encourage [health-care] unions to access the dashboard and use the stock visibility system to assist us with stock surveillance and movement and continue to be active participants in OHS [occupational health and safety] committees as was jointly resolved over the course of the pandemic.” Read more: https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-29-new-team-of-doctors-being-roped-in-to-help-exhausted-teams-zweli-mkhize/

New team of doctors being roped in to help exhausted teams: Zweli Mkhize Hospitals are filling up, health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Tuesday, as he again pleaded with South Africans “not to let their guards down” under the newly implemented level 3 regulations.

"Academics and health experts are warning of a significant spike in in Gauteng due to the anticipated influx of holidaymakers heading back to the province at the end of the festive season.

There have been concerns raised from various quarters including labour unions about the impact of the surge in numbers on medical staff and hospital capacity. This has been compounded by the new COVID-19 variant. " Read more https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/academics-and-health-experts-warning-of-significant-spike-in-covid-19-cases-in-gauteng/ Southern African HIV Clinicians Society

Academics and health experts warning of significant spike in COVID-19 cases in Gauteng - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. Academics and health experts believe that in order to manage the rapidly increase in new COVID-19 cases in Gauteng; it is going to be critical to target areas where the spread of the virus is growing fast.

“Today alone we’ve seen a significant increase in the daily numbers, with the Western Cape continuing to lead and now breaching the 3,000 mark for the first time this week. Seven other provinces reported increases today, while the Eastern Cape reported a decrease in their new cases today,” said Mkhize. Read more: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-16-10000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-as-mkhize-warns-of-exponential-growth/

10,000 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours, as Mkhize warns of 'exponential' growth This is the first time since August 1 that the 10,000 mark has been breached

Valuable resource and see the EB and WC hospitalization data!

SACMC Epidemic Explorer - Open Access

Updated guidance on mask use This document provides updated guidance on mask use in health care and community settings, and during home care for COVID-19 cases. It is intended for policy makers, public health and infection prevention and control professionals, health care managers and health workers.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-during-home-care-and-in-healthcare-settings-in-the-context-of-the-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR0xvjpmozwPKA-3FVKy_dYwzRHnqRuEQyvxFhB9r07sy4Upj-46UypLKU4

Advice on the use of masks in the community, during home care and in healthcare settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Interim guidance

Watch Head of Ezintsha Prof. Francois Venter, COVID-19 Superspreading events. How can we ensure our family gatherings are safe during

6 Feet Apart! Wear a Mask!

Great overview on the progress of COVID -19 vaccines "Three vaccine breakthroughs have sparked hope that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is close. But vaccinating tens of millions of South Africans is going to be difficult. It would require a massive logistical effort in 2021 for life to return to the way it was before Covid-19." Read more: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-11-26-will-covid-19-vaccines-bring-life-back-to-normal-in-2021/

GROUNDUP: Will Covid-19 vaccines bring life back to normal in 2021? Three vaccine breakthroughs have sparked hope that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is close. But vaccinating tens of millions of South Africans is going to be difficult. It would require a massive logistical effort in 2021 for life to return to the way it was before Covid-19. By JAMES STENT and NAT...

What is happening in South Africa?
Daily reported numbers have been rising after falling for about four months, and the government has expressed concern about a rise in infection rates in some areas, mostly in Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces.

Doctors are also reporting a spike in hospital admissions in the two regions.

Eastern Cape accounted for 50% to 55% of new daily positive casesin South Africa on average, and hospital admissions have been rising for about a month.

Over the past week, Western Cape province recorded a 52.1% jump in new cases.

"There is also now established community transmission of the virus again in this province, which means that it is spreading within communities at a faster rate," a statement from the government says. Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53181555 Southern African HIV Clinicians Society

Coronavirus: What's happening to the numbers in Africa? There's been a rise recently in cases and deaths in some areas, but is this a longer-term trend?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this week revealed that Nelson Mandela Bay is the epicentre of COVID-19 in South Africa.

https://www.enca.com/news/covid-19-major-awareness-campaign-launched-nmb

COVID-19: Major awareness campaign launched in NMB President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that Nelson Mandela Bay is the epicentre of COVID-19 in the country.

During 2020 radiographers have been on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic and have played an essential role by providing the chest X-rays and Computed Tomography (CT) scans used to diagnose and monitor COVID-19 Read more: https://news.csu.edu.au/feature/world-radiography-day-experts-say-patient-care-is-still-their-top-priority-during-covid-19

World Radiography Day: experts reflect on COVID-19 To mark World Radiography Day, three academics from Charles Sturt University reflect on the profession and the important role radiographers and radiation therapists are continuing to play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'As the number of active cases in Nelson Mandela Bay heads towards 5,000, the Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that it has run out of intensive care beds. A group of civil society organisations has raised concern about extreme staff and PPE shortages and the Eastern Cape Health Crisis Action Coalition' Read more : https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-11-09-nelson-mandela-bay-runs-out-of-state-icu-beds-as-covid-19-cases-soar/?fbclid=IwAR3nCzwTkDiBW5E-gRHMlwHcgiF5CesKSoD-kF7F4DR60Ca7Bj2Qyn7XQuM

Maverick Citizen: Coronavirus: Nelson Mandela Bay runs out of state ICU beds as Covid-19 cases soar As the number of active cases in Nelson Mandela Bay heads towards 5,000, the Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that it has run out of intensive care beds. A group of civil society organisations has raised concern about extreme staff and PPE shortages and the Eastern Cape Health Crisis....