News

In a momentous event on Friday, September 29, Anova Health Institute and the Department of Health gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 65 dedicated professional nurses who successfully completed their Nurse-Initiated-Management of Antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) mentorship programme in Sedibeng. This journey has been a year-long endeavour for the nurses, filled with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape. The theme of the ceremony, \”Our Nurses, Our Future,\” perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this extraordinary occasion. These 65 graduates not only embraced the art of nursing, but they also showcased their unwavering determination to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare sector. Giving her words of encouragement, Ms. Senate Sejake, Deputy Director of Health Programmes, encouraged the nurses to always strive for the 95-95-95 HIV/TB targets as established by the United Nations, and to go above and beyond this target. “Let’s save lives and make Sedibeng the centre of excellence,” she said. We as Anova are committed to achieving this target, and therefore playing a role in supporting the nurses was paramount. Our investment in mentorship and professional development underscores our dedication to the healthcare community and our commitment to ensuring a brighter tomorrow for healthcare as a whole. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we want to express our immense pride in the graduates. They have not only completed their mentorship programme but have also earned the admiration and respect of their peers and mentors. These nurses have demonstrated their ability to provide compassionate and competent care to their clients. The impact of their training extends far beyond the graduation ceremony. With their newfound skills and knowledge, these nurses are poised to be the frontline warriors in the battle against HIV, TB, and STIs. They will be at the forefront of providing vital care and support to those in need, making a significant contribution to our community\’s health and well-being. We applaud each and every one of the NIMART graduates for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their profession. Your future is bright, and your contributions to healthcare will be invaluable. We look forward to witnessing the incredible work you will do in the service of our community, and we are confident that the future of healthcare is in capable and caring hands. Click here to view the NIMART graduation gallery. 

In a world where health systems are constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-growing population, pharmacists stand as the unsung heroes in the realm of healthcare. On World Pharmacists Day, celebrated every September 25th, the global community comes together to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role that pharmacists play in the healthcare ecosystem. The theme for World Pharmacist Day 2023, \”Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems,\” emphasizes the vital position of pharmacists in ensuring robust and effective healthcare systems. In this article, we delve into the significance of this theme, explore the multifaceted contributions of pharmacists in strengthening health systems and a few Anova pharmacists share their thoughts.   Medication Management: Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment One of the most crucial roles that pharmacists play is in medication management. They are the healthcare professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and effective use of medication. “Pharmacists are custodians and experts of medicine, they promote safe and effective use of medicine and continue to be a trusted source of healthcare information, advice and support,” said Mercy Mohale, Pharmacy Technical Advisor in Capricorn, Limpopo. This expertise is invaluable in preventing adverse events and complications associated with medication use. Through their vigilance and knowledge, pharmacists significantly contribute to enhancing patient safety and outcomes.   Dispensing Prescription Medication: The Last Line of Defense Pharmacists are the last line of defense when it comes to dispensing prescription medication. They meticulously check each prescription to ensure that the correct medication, dosage, and instructions are provided to the patient. “Pharmacists ensure that medication is available to everyone, everywhere and every time,” said Bongani Mlambo, Pharmacy & Decanting Manager in Sedibeng, Johannesburg, adding that, “this means supporting the rollout of innovative and effective therapeutic remedies to improve patients’ quality of life, and ensuring adherence and compliance to prescribed medication.\” The role of pharmacists extends beyond just handing over a pill bottle; they take the time to counsel patients on how to take their medication, including storage conditions, potential side effects, and necessary precautions. This level of diligence ensures that patients receive the right treatment and understand how to use it effectively.   Patient Counselling: Empowering Patients for Better Health Pharmacists are more than just medication experts; they are also health educators. They counsel patients on a wide range of health-related matters, from disease prevention to managing chronic conditions. They provide guidance on medication adherence, proper diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and the use of medical devices. This patient-centered approach empowers individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being. Ziyaad Isaacs, Pharmacy & Decanting Manager in the Western Cape stated that, “Pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel are often the last stop of patient care. They educate patients on cleanliness for disease prevention as well as compliance, particularly focusing on patient retention.”   Medication Safety and Surveillance: Keeping a Watchful Eye Pharmacists are instrumental in monitoring medication safety. They track adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and drug recalls, ensuring that healthcare providers are informed promptly. Pharmacists also participate in medication therapy management programs, where they assess medication regimens to identify and resolve drug-related problems. Their vigilance and attention to detail contribute significantly to patient safety. “Pharmacists at Anova continue to work with the Department of Health and other stakeholders on the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program to provide efficient and reliable anti-retroviral treatment (ARVs) refill options in a more sustainable and convenient way for HIV patients,” added Kingsley Nukeri, Pharmacist in the City of Johannesburg.   Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: A Public Health Force Pharmacists are not confined to the walls of the pharmacy; they are also active contributors to public health initiatives. They engage in health promotion activities, conduct screenings, and provide vaccinations. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in encouraging preventive measures, such as immunizations, smoking cessation, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Their outreach efforts contribute to healthier communities.   Collaborating with Healthcare Teams: Team Players in Patient Care In the complex landscape of modern healthcare, collaboration is key. Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians. They actively participate in patient rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, and medication reconciliation processes, providing valuable input on drug therapy and contributing to comprehensive treatment plans. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive holistic care. Read: We Welcome You Back to Care   Research and Development: Advancing Medicine Beyond their everyday roles, pharmacists are also involved in pharmaceutical research and development. They contribute to clinical trials, evaluate new medication, and stay up to date with emerging drug therapies. Pharmacists engage in research aimed at improving medication safety, adherence, and patient outcomes. Their involvement in the development of new treatments and therapies is instrumental in advancing the field of medicine.   “Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team, playing a critical role in improving patient health outcomes, promoting medication safety, and enhancing public health, said Sylvester Mogale, Pharmacy Technical Advisor in Mopani District, Limpopo. World Pharmacists Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge and value the crucial contribution pharmacists make to healthcare systems all around the world.

As we embrace the month of June, it is crucial to turn our attention to a matter often overlooked but of utmost importance: men\’s health. Men face unique health challenges that require awareness, proactive action, and open conversations. Men\’s Health Month, celebrated in June, serves as a timely reminder to prioritize the well-being of men, encourage early screening, detection, and prevention to promote overall wellness. The Health4Men programme by Anova Health Institute offers a valuable space for men to access healthcare facilities and openly discuss their concerns in a safe environment. In this article, we shed light on some of the events happening during this month to emphasise the significance of building strong support networks. These events are aimed at creating a platform where men can connect with health care providers, friends, family, and peers, and foster an environment for open conversations about wellness. We invite all men to the events taking place in various districts in Gauteng as follows: City of Johannesburg 15-17 June 2023: National Men\’s Conference in Soweto Sedibeng 21 June 2023: Men’s Dialogue in Levai Mbatha, Evaton Men\’s Health Awareness Month is a reminder that every man\’s health matters. By embracing a holistic approach to health, we can empower men to live healthier, happier lives. Let us raise the flag on men\’s health awareness, engage in open conversations, and work together to keep men strong and healthy.

 Being a woman is my birth right to conceive birth to future generation.

The U.S. government, through USAID, and the Western Cape Department of Health on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, signed a historic Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement to implement initiatives specifically focused on driving towards HIV, TB, and COVID-19 epidemic control. The signing ceremony at the District Six Community Day Centre in Cape Town included Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Health, USAID Regional Mission Director, Andy Karas, and Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens. \”The U.S. government has a long history of collaborating with the Western Cape government and we are very proud to enter into this partnership that is, at its core, focused on strengthening the local health system and ultimately saving lives. This is one more example of the incredible things that our USAID team is able to accomplish here in the Western Cape,\” said Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens. The U.S. government, through USAID, has historically supported Non-profit Organizations (NPOs) that work side-by-side with the Western Cape Department of Health staff to serve clients infected with HIV, TB, and COVID-19. The $10 million, five-year G2G award represents the first U.S. government provincial-level G2G award in South Africa for the implementation of HIV, TB, and COVID-19 programs aimed at epidemic control. The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, said: “I welcome the G2G agreement between the US and Western Cape Governments which will assist us in saving many lives in our province. Ensuring the best possible healthcare to our people remains a top priority for my government, and we intend to use the lessons learnt from this unprecedented pandemic to beat HIV and TB in the Western Cape. This partnership demonstrates the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between both governments, and I look forward to us strengthening this relationship further.” The first year of the G2G award will help expand convenient options for clients to pick up their chronic medicines and help clients receive health services like consultations virtually through telemedicine. The award will also integrate HIV and TB screening during COVID-19 vaccination drives, and support public health priorities shared by the Western Cape Department of Health, USAID, and PEPFAR. “G2Gs symbolize USAID’s commitment to strengthening local service provision and delivery by working with local governments to implement and sustain activities. This G2G leverages the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the Western Cape Department of Health, further supporting the essential work already being done by public servants in the province to respond efficiently and effectively to HIV, COVID-19, and TB,” said USAID Southern Africa Mission Director Andy Karas. Public health facilities across the Western Cape have come under tremendous pressures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic strained the local health system, it has also inspired many healthcare innovations. The G2G will allow innovations, such as the recently launched VaccStations and e-lockers for chronic medications, to be fully realized. “We value partnerships, they are essential in ensuring that we achieve our set goals or targets. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us that we need each other, we can’t defeat it on our own. We each have a role to play. I am grateful to the USAID for this generous gesture that will see us implementing initiatives to combat the HIV, TB, and COVID-19 epidemics,” said WC Health HOD/Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Health. The Western Cape adopted a community-orientated primary care (COPC) approach to its Provincial goals for 2030 and the key strategies for the improvement of district health services. This approach is expected to improve health and save costs. The strategy better links teams at facilities and communities, promotes partnerships between government and non-government organisations, and reorganizes the scope of practice, information systems, community engagements, and change management. The COPC framework serves as the basis for the G2G. Ensuring access to HIV and TB services remains essential, especially in the face of the COVID19 pandemic. U.S. PEPFAR focuses on facilitating client-centered care, making it easier for people to access, start, and stay on lifesaving HIV and TB treatment. These efforts build on decades of life-saving work and U.S. leadership in tackling global health crises. Over the past 60 years, the U.S. Mission to South Africa has saved millions of lives threatened by diseases such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.

17 September marks World Patient Safety Day, a day to raise global awareness on the issues that patients come across. The biggest issue in the past 18 months, has been the lack of access to the clinics because of the pandemic. Earlier this year, Anova Health Institute launched an aggressive campaign to welcome patients back to care. Amanda Ndlangisa speaks to Dr Diana Mokoena, APACE/Johannesburg Programme Manager about the Welcome Back Campaign. Please tell us about the Welcome Back campaign. We noted that many of our patients had been disrupted from collecting their ARVs and other chronic medications as a result of the pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions. People were scared of coming to clinics initially because they were worried about catching Corona virus; some were unsure if they could return after being off their treatment. We wanted our patients to know that they can restart and come back to care after interrupting their treatment; that we won’t judge them or punish them for interrupting treatment; that we wanted to support them to get back on track and take control of their health. We have used radio as the main medium for spreading the message far and wide. Our community outreach teams also use posters, banners and leaflets when they’re out to spread the message. We also have posters, leaflets and staff t-shirts, masks and caps with the same message so that people in and outside of facilities can see and hear the message Why did you decide to do this campaign? The Covid pandemic disrupted so much of our lives, so much was unknown about this disease initially and there was a lot that felt like it was out of our control and chaotic. We thought a fresh start would be good for the year 2021, we saw it as an opportunity to empower our patients and communities to take back control of their own health and restart a journey to good health on their own terms. Why the name “Welcome Back”? It’s warm and non-judgmental, it’s inviting. It encompasses our intentions and our message of hope perfectly. How is the campaign going so far?  Quite well, the radio adverts and interviews have been well received. Many patients have reached out to us on WhatsApp and other mediums after hearing the radio messages for assistance with getting back onto care What are the future plans for the campaign? There is a need to continue the radio campaigns for a few more months, thereafter we need to explore how we can use our social media channels to spread the message as well as existing community-based platforms to engage with our patients and communities closer.   We understand that going to your clinic might be scary for you but we’re here to remind you that we have created welcoming spaces in our facilities to welcome you back to care, and our clinics are safe. If you have stopped going to the clinic to screen, test or get your medication, we would like to invite you back to care.  Visit your local clinic to get back on treatment. #WorldPatientSafetyDay