One of the most serious issues facing our country is the transmission of air-borne diseases, primarily Tuberculosis (TB), in over-crowded, poorly ventilated clinics and clinic waiting rooms.
Since there is no treatment available for Extreme Drug Resistant TB, containment and prevention remains the only way to combat this disease at present.
The Medical Research Council and Council for Disease Control has approved a device called a Technilamp, developed by a South African manufacturer. This is an ultra violet TB infection control lamp, which when placed in clinics protects against the spread of air-borne viruses and bacterial infections, thus protecting those working and attending the clinic.
Ten clinics have been identified as being in urgent need of the Technilamp, including:
Krakeel, Rivonia, Louterwater, Misgund, Kareedouw, Hankey, Kruisfontein, Loerie, Patensie Hill, St Francis.
The cost of installation in these ten clinics is R100 000.00.
“Life Straws” are an inexpensive. Personal water filtration device, that can remove contaminants from approximately 700l of water, providing 2 years worth of individual clean drinking water.
The schools in the Western Koukamma region have been earmarked as recipients of the “life straw” project. Early in 2008, a rapid increase in cases of diarrhea were reported in this area. 343 cases were reported at Cacadu Clinics, of which 15 had to be hospitalized.
The cost of providing Life Straws to these five areas is R500 000.00
For most of us, a trip to the local mall enables us to watch the latest movie on circuit. We regularly, take a trip to the DVD store to settle down in front of our TV sets to watch DVD’s while tucking into a packet of chips, popcorn or a number of other comfort foods. For others, most have never been to a movie house or seen a movie.
Due to the lack of infrastructure and ready cash in rural and urban areas, many children turn to crime and unsavoury ways of passing the time over a weekend.
Touch Africa would like to effect positive change and have therefore launched Project Friday Flik.
The aim is to upgrade the community halls in order to provide the “movie house” and supply projectors in these halls. Each community will be responsible for running this project. Entry fees will be charged and the monies raised will be utilized to improve their community.
Canon has come on board to supply the projects and various food outlets are being approached to provide chips and cooldrinks which in turn can be sold to create an income for these communities.
The budget for this project is R100 000.00, excluding the rehabilitation of the community halls.
The first recipient of the “ Friday Flik” is the Vernon Gamanda School in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth, followed by the Steytlerville and Willomore areas in the Cacadu Municipal District.
The Storms River School is in need of a Grade R Class as well as a Day Care Facility which will also require the provision of additional ablution facilities.
The Koukamma Municipality has given permission to the CDM to develop the land for further educational requirements.
Touch Africa now aim to provide the facilities required, which includes an ablution block and three structures to house the Grade R class as well as the Creche, which at present is being run outside the school by a local mother, who is working in desperate conditions at her home, in order to education these pre-schoolers. The project will also provide educational equipment.
We have various schools on our books who are desperately in need of assistance for rehabilitation. If you would like to get involved in “adopting a school” please contact Elise Fish by emailing elisefishpr@nashuaisp.co.za or call 076 170 6449.
