Allison Naidoo takes us on a short journey through our districts, bringing you news of THINK’s impact across the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.
In healthcare’s evolving landscape, THINK has been a beacon of hope, making impactful strides across districts. Our journey begins in the uMgungundlovu district, where we’ve been reshaping healthcare accessibility.
September 6 was a significant day for the THINK uMgungundlovu team, who arrived at the Dambuza Community Hall with our state-of-the-art Mobile Clinic. The community benefitted from free Tuberculosis (TB) screenings, leveraging our revolutionary X-ray enhanced by AI. In partnership with our collaborators, we also offered a range of medical services – eye care, dental check-ups, physiotherapy, counselling, pap smears, HIV tests, and vaccinations. This joint initiative, supported by Harry Gwala Hospital and our NGO partners, has become a vital support system for Dambuza, a district confronted with significant challenges in TB treatment.
We transition to uMngeni sub district, where THINK through support from TB Alliance facilitated a TB literacy training on 27 September. Community Health Workers (CHWs) and TB tracers were forefront equipped with knowledge and skills, ensuring communities received essential TB education, screenings, and treatment. This collaborative effort highlights our commitment to reducing the TB burden. We’ve armed CHWs and TB tracers with the knowledge and tools for early TB detection, treatment facilitation, and prevention efforts.
Amid our healthcare endeavours, we also had a moment to shine and celebrate our achievements on September 6. We were spotlighted at the uMkhanyakude Health District (Department of Health) Service Excellence Awards, hosted at Machibini Hall in Jozini. We gratefully accpeted a Certificate of Appreciation, a recognition of our dedication to delivering high quality healthcare services in the uMkhanyakude district. This accolade speaks to the strength of our teamwork and the unwavering support from the community. Together, we’re reshaping the future of healthcare.
Supported by USAID, THINK uMkhanyakude is making strides, bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary medical practices. In a fundamental TB training session on August 29 at the Hlabisa Local Municipality’s Library we tailored specifically to Traditional Healer Practitioners, uniting traditional knowledge with modern medical methodologies. These practitioners are now equipped with the tools to tackle TB, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
THINK’s journey is one of transformation, empowerment, and making a difference to every person we come into contact with. With each step, we are redefining the healthcare narrative and delivering a promise of brighter days for the communities we serve. Be part of our transformative journey towards a vivacious, healthier future.