The uMgungundlovu district, a vital hub serving 10% of the provincial population, is a diverse district where challenges overpower opportunities – as the district addresses socio-economic issues like informal settlements and the existing vulnerable key population demographic. With seven municipalities under its umbrella – uMshwathi, Umgeni, Mpofana, Impendle, Msunduzi, UMkhambathini, and Richmond – the district strives to collate a collective response to healthcare needs.
There are currently 28 facilities in the district receiving support from THINK’s DSD and roving teams; 10 facilities receive direct support from our DSD staff, while 18 benefit from technical assistance via roving teams. Our commitment to reaching every corner of the district echoes our dedication to comprehensive and inclusive healthcare.
Let’s take a look at a couple of recent highlights from the district!
Reaching Far and Wide: Impactful Interventions
In collaboration with Mpofana Local Municipality and Bruntville Clinic, our efforts were recently extended to the Tendele community – which had previously relied on monthly mobile clinics for services. This initiative demonstrated our dedication to providing better healthcare services and the remarkable power of partnership, which was evident through the offer of free X-ray services alongside dental care, dietician consultations, physiotherapy, psychosocial support, pap smears, HIV testing, and vaccinations.
A Milestone in Collaboration: Grey’s Hospital TB Workshop
Celebrating strides in TB treatment, we were honoured to be part of a pivotal event hosted by the National Department of Health at Grey’s Hospital. This groundbreaking TB workshop illuminated the path towards enhanced diagnosis and treatment, with a special focus on special populations. Attendees, who were healthcare workers, experienced screening, chest X-rays, and TB testing demonstrations, as well as an insightful presentation by our THINK TB Tech Lead on contact management – Dr Ashleigh Dwarika. A remarkable highlight was also the participation of Jacqueline Ngozo, head of TB at the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal. Her engagement with our AI-augmented mobile X-ray unit exemplified the fusion of innovation and healthcare. This event testified to the transformative power of knowledge exchange and progressive ideas, paving the way for a healthier tomorrow. Jacqueline Ngozo aptly summarised the essence of this event; “Innovation in healthcare is remarkable; this experience reaffirms our mission.”
Together, we stand poised to evolve, inspired by the synergy of expertise and innovation, propelling us towards a future of vibrant health and well-being.