Summer Hazards PAGE3
World Sight Day PAGE4
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Living with Diabetes PAGE4
I
N AUGUST the provincial Department of Health officially opened a 24 hour Operations Centre – the first of its kind in the country. To access the Operations Centre a toll-free number – 0800 005 133 – was established, giving the public access to health information and advice on healthcare.Situated at Natalia, the department head office in Pietermaritzburg on the 16th floor, this state-of-the-art centre boasts modern and hi-tech equipment.
The aim of the call centre is to take health care directly to the people as it provides an
e-mail, SMS, landline and cellular telecommunications.
The public is taking full advantage of the centre and thus far more than 4 509 calls have been received through the toll-free number.
“The centre has been a great success in terms of the public accessing the department and in accelerating communication between the public and the department,” said Kholekile Ntsobi, manager for Emergency Medical Rescue Services in the department.
“It also helps us to respond timeously to emergency cases, and with the tracking
technology the centre is geared
to emergencies quickly, thus improving our response time.”
A large portion of the calls are from people wanting information on HIV and Aids, while others are interested in finding out about
antiretrovirals.
“It’s good that people are able to call us and talk about issues like this, and also interesting that some people have contacted the call centre wanting to visit KZN and asking general health information – this means we are contributing in some way to tourism,” added Ntsobi.
Calls handled by the centre vary, from people wanting to
to issues like labour, lack of safety, complaints etc.
“Every complaint is followed up.”
The centre cost the
department a hefty R3 million, 80% of which was contributed by the Global Fund.
The opening of this
Operations Centre has created employment for more than 40 people including those with disabilities.
With the festive season approaching, the splendid work that is being done by the team at the call centre will no doubt enhance efficient co-ordination of emergency medical care service if a crisis arises.
0800 00 5133
TALK TO US. WE ARE LISTENING. 24 HOURS. TOLL FREE
BONGANI MTHEMBU
N
OMUSA Khuzwayo is HIV positive. She discovered that she was infected with the dreadful disease in April 2003, exactly a month after Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Phoenix started rolling out lifesaving anti-retroviral drugs as part of the government’s massive HIV/Aids treatment programme.Khuzwayo quickly grabbed the opportunity to receive life-prolonging drugs from the hospital, becoming one of the first people to make use of the site.
Although her life – and those of another 506 patients – have improved drastically since receiving the medication and counselling, Khuzwayo faces an uphill battle at home. Her husband does not want to hear anything about HIV/Aids. She tried to introduce the subject immediately after she discovered her status, but he reacted angrily to her and the topic was buried.
According to Sister Nonhlanhla Nzuza, a chief professional nurse at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital responsible for administering the ARV site, Khuzwayo is one of many women who finds it extremely
difficult to freely take Aids drugs because of the lack of support from partners.
In fact, men’s perceptions about the pandemic are conspicuous at the site. Out of 506 patients taking the
lifesaving drugs, less than 100 are men.
Why?
According to Nzuza it could be a combination of many things associated with how men perceive themselves in society. One of them could be
pride. She said they’d had cases where men did not want to be seen taking the drugs so would steal those prescribed for their wives.
“One of our patients
complained to us that her pills were vanishing. We did a follow up and found her husband was actually taking them without her knowledge. We had to convince him that it was important for him to follow the procedure and have his own medication so that both of
them did not develop drug resistance caused by not taking them,” she said.
The officials of the
department are now appealing to men to make use of the programme.
Apart from a few small problems, the government’s ART programme is on the right track.
At the moment 53 of the potential provincial 55 hospitals are designated as ART service points. They are throughout all of the 11 health districts and provide equitable access to people living in both urban and rural settings. The service caters for adults, children and pregnant women.
The programme has come a long way since it started.
Provincial health department spokeswoman Lindiwe
Khuzwayo said more than 15 000 adults and children had begun ART at this point, with a steady increase on a monthly basis.
Nzuza said only patients with CD4 counts below 200 were enrolled in the programme. The amount of HIV virus in the body is called the viral load. In the first few months after infection, a large number of virus particles circulate in the body. The infection is very contagious at this stage.
Later, the viral load drops to a lower level that remains
constant for some time. This level is an important indicator of how contagious a person’s infection is and how fast the disease is likely to progress. Doctors measure the viral load during treatment, because a decreasing or very low level indicates that treatment is working.
The goal of treatment is to lower the viral load to the point where it is suppressed in the blood, although some virus is still probably still present. A rise in the viral load may indicate the development of drug resistance or failure to take the drugs. Drug treatment is beneficial only when the drugs are taken on schedule. Missed doses allow the virus to replicate and develop
resistance.
No treatment has proven able to eliminate the virus from the body, although levels often fall below what can be measured if treatment is stopped, viral load increases, and CD4 counts begin to to fall.
People with low CD4 counts are often prescribed drugs to prevent opportunistic infections.
Additional information from Merck Medical Manual.
AND THE
AIDS WAR
CONTINUES . . .
When did you join the Department of Health?
In January this year after finishing my studies at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape. I am doing community service here at Osindisweni Hospital and thoroughly enjoy the work.
How did the feeding programme start?
I was approached by Dr Suraya Naidoo, who wanted to involve me in starting a feeding programme, and as a dietician I am supposed to assist in food sustainability and household food security in the community. We started the programme in July and I
co-ordinate it. The patients or people who come to me for assistance are usually
referred by a doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist or any other health worker who identifies a needy patient.
How do you keep the programme going?
It’s amazing how local people in the community and in business have opened up their hearts to give to the needy and less fortunate. People like Mr and Mrs
Govender of Everest Flexible and Preggie Naidoo or Calypso Carriers are just some of the many who are helping us with donations. I
have even asked family, friends and staff to help.
What have you experienced since the programme started?
I’ve realised the abject poverty around us, and it’s terribly sad. I’ve dealt with babies and children who are malnourished simply because they don’t have anything at home to eat. I see grandparents having to carry the load of looking after orphaned
grandchildren. If I can help one person I know I can make a difference and so far we have managed to carry on. I get so much joy from
seeing someone gaining weight and smiling just because they have food in their stomachs.
What have some of the challenges been?
It’s sometimes difficult to identify those who are really in need from those who just want handouts or a free
hamper. Regardless of this we try our best to ensure that those who are needy get help. As the programme continues to grow we hope we will be able to reach more people.
How do you unwind?
I love going to the beach and socialising with friends.
The dietician who’s making a difference
At 23, Elouise Casey has made a difference in the lives of poor people who come to Osindisweni Hospital in Verulam with nothing in their stomachs. Elouise, a dietician, is co-ordinating a feeding programme where hungry patients are helped. She co-ordinates this programme with zero budget, just faith and the willingness to lend a helping hand, and has successfully put food on many tables.
UNWELE OLUDE spoke to the charismatic and energetic Elouise.
Sister Nonhlanhla Nzuza at an anti-retroviral site at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. PICTURE:BONGANI MTHEMBU
Elouise Casey, dietician at Osindisweni hospital at Verulam.
MALARIA
A
LTHOUGH every effort has been made by the Health Department to reduce malaria in the province, it is still advisable to take precautions whentravelling to malaria-prone areas, especially in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The best prevention is personal
protection against being bitten by mosquitoes: malaria
mosquitoes generally bite after dark. There are various malaria prevention tablets on the market. If in doubt, consult your nearest clinic, hospital or doctor and make sure any medication is used correctly. • Use insect repellent on exposed
skin.
• Sleep under a bednet or in a
netted tent, hut, house or caravan with screens. • Close windows and doors at
night.
• Spray insecticide aerosol and/or burn mosquito coils at night.
CHOLERA
C
HOLERA is a bacterial infection contracted by drinking contaminated water or by eating food which has been in contact with contaminated water, flies orsoiled hands. The germs responsible for cholera are found in the stools of human beings. Profuse watery stools or diarrhoea that is sudden in onset, vomiting, rapid
dehydration (caused by loss of body water) are some of the
most common symptoms. Although KwaZulu-Natal has faced a cholera outbreak in the past, it is possible to visit cholera areas in absolute safety provided simple hygiene and sanitary practices are maintained. These simple guidelines must always be followed.
• Washing hands before meals, washing fruit and vegetables and washing hands after going to the toilet is most important. • Do not allow children to play in
dirty pools of water, rivulets or storm water outlets.
• If you are unsure of the water in a particular area it is advisable to treat it before using it, drinking it or cooking with it. This can be done by boiling the water before drinking. Add 1 teaspoon bleach to 25 litres water, and leave to stand for a minimum of two hours before drinking. Good hygiene can also help prevent typhoid fever. Typhoid is caused by a bacterium and is contracted by drinking water or eating food contaminated by Salmonella. Some of the symptoms include: • Continuous fever • Headache • Nausea • Constipation or diarrhoea • Hoarse cough.
Here are some guidelines for keeping you and your family safe:
• Cook food thoroughly; boiling or adding bleach to drinking water and washing of hands can help halt the spread of the disease.
• Cooking kills typhoid –
thoroughly cook all meats, fish and vegetables. Eat while hot. • Washing protects you from
typhoid – wash hands before preparing or serving food. • Wash dishes and utensils with
soap and water.
• Wash your cutting board especially well with soap and water.
• Peeling protects you from typhoid – eat only fruits that have been freshly peeled, such as oranges and bananas. Even if it looks clean, water can and may contain typhoid bacteria. Clean water can become contaminated again if it is not stored safely. Store drinking water in a clean container with a small opening or a cover. Use within four hours. Pour from
As the summer season looms, it is always anticipated
that diseases like cholera and malaria could surface.
With the rainy season approaching, the Department
of Health would like to remind you to practise the best
possible hygiene measures to ensure the outbreak of
diseases like these are averted.
0800 00 5133
TALK TO US. WE ARE LISTENING. 24 HOURS. TOLL FREE
ROZ JORDAN
T
HE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, along with the rest of South Africa and the world, commemorated WorldSight Day on October 13. This year the event was held at Mosvold Hospital in the Umkhanyakude District. The theme for 2005 was: The right to sight.
World Sight Day is an annual
event focusing on the problem of global blindness. It aims to create international awareness about the prevention and treatment of loss of vision. With 13 hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal providing eye care
surgery, every citizen of our province can get assistance to prevent avoidable blindness.
Up to 80% of cases of blindness are avoidable, most resulting from preventable conditions (20%) or being
treatable (60%) so that sight is restored. Prevention and treatment of vision loss are among the most cost effective and successful of all health interventions. These include: cataract surgery to cure this eye disease relating to ageing, prevention of trachoma, provision of the drug
ivermectin for the treatment of the infectious disease river blindness, immunisation against measles, provision of vitamins and supplements for the prevention of child
blindness, and the provision of spectacles.
In KwaZulu-Natal, there are 60 000 blind people: believe it or not, 48 000 of these are
needlessly blind. Cataracts are mainly responsible for the most common cause of needless blindness in KwaZulu-Natal, accounting for a staggering 60% of blindness. That’s three out of every five blind people!
Cataracts can be a part of the ageing process, and result in a clouding of the lens of the eye, causing a gradual misting of vision, with no associated pain.
The causes of avoidable blindness are frequently associated with poverty and lack of access to eye care services. Avoidable blindness is more common in the poorest of the poor, women and rural populations.
The KwaZulu-Natal
Department of Health is fully supportive of the global Vision 2020 initiative: the elimination of avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Visual disability has far-reaching implications, touching on all aspects of development – social, economic, and the quality of life
EYES RIGHT ON
WORLD SIGHT DAY
THE provincial Department of Health learned with shock and sadness of the untimely death of two of its emergency services staff in a car accident recently.
Scelo Mbatha and Pravesh Chanda, both from the Greytown Ambulance Base, died on duty when the
ambulance they were travelling in collided with another vehicle while they were transporting a pregnant woman who was in labour to Greytown Hospital.
The patient as well as the driver of the other vehicle also died in the collision.
The accident happened in the early hours of October 22, and not only robbed the department of valuable members of the Emergency Medical Services family, but has left a huge gap in the service.
The department would like to send its sincere condolences to the families of the crews and fellow crew mates who worked with them. Health MEC Peggy
Nkonyeni, Head of Department Prof Green-Thompson and the entire department, send their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Said the MEC: “Our crews work day and night to save the lives of communities in need.
“This is not only a loss for the department and the bereaved families, but for the whole community these two brave men served.”
May their souls rest in peace.
TRAGIC DEATHS OF AMBULANCE STAFF
The community received free eye screening at the World Sight Day event and Senior General Manager Dr Sibongile Zungu took this opportunity to
have her eyes screened by optometrist France Nxumalo. PHOTO: ROZ JORDAN
1
1
As World Diabetes Day approaches (November 14), there are still thousands of people around who don’t really know what diabetes is. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation
There are three types of diabetes, namely:Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.
Type 1: This is when the pancreas stops producing insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin into their bodies to survive. A combination of this and a balanced diet as well as exercise is important in managing the condition.
Type 2: This is when there is either insufficient insulin in the body or it’s not functioning properly. Most people with diabetes have this type. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can play a huge role in managing it. Medication can also be administered for it. If untreated, the resulting high blood glucose levels can lead to blindness, stroke/heart attacks, kidney failure and amputation etc.
Gestational diabetes: Some pregnant women experience this but the condition usually disappears after birth. However, the mother and the baby could have increased chances of developing diabetes at a later stage in life.
SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
Frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections, cuts and bruises that take time to heal, and tingling and numbness in the hands or feet are common signs. People with diabetes can lead normal lives and should never be subjected to any form of discrimination because of their condition. Anyone can develop diabetes at any age. Certain factors put you at risk, however, including being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle still remains the key to good health.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dr Frederick Banting, who is credited with the discovery of the
drug insulin, was born on MBALI THUSI
C
HOCOLATE, sweets, cakes, chips you name it – we all crave them or have a dose of it from time to time. For most teenagers chocolates, cakes and chips are part of what they consider their staple diet.All of this changed for 20-year-old Lelethu Gxagxisa when she found she was diabetic. For Lelethu it meant no pudding, ice cream or mince pies – as she
discovered on Christmas Eve that she had diabetes.
Lelethu, a web design student, said the symptoms had always been there.
“I was passing urine constantly, I was extremely thirsty, no matter how much cool drink or water I drank. Also, I was always drowsy and
“I was really scared but my family and friends were very supportive and
understanding.”
She had to go on a new diet and start injecting herself with insulin four times a day.
diabetes which is why I need insulin injections.”
Lelethu has the injections 30 minutes before having a meal and one at around midnight.
She now follows a special diet and has to eat either grilled,
any other young people. “I am studying and I look after myself and try not to work too hard,” she said, urging anyone with signs and symptoms of diabetes to seek medical attention.
DIABETES
A girl has her blood sugar level tested
New gadgets that measure blood sugar level are so simple, anyone can use them.
LETTERS
FROM
READERS
BOUQUET FOR MAHATMA GANDHI
I WOULD like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr Kesene at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital for the excellent way in which he assisted me through my labour. My baby was quite large and I found it very difficult to deliver but I am so grateful for the patience he had and the comfort he gave me. Although I thought I would have to go for a Caesarean, I successfully delivered my baby normally. Thank you, Dr Kesene, I appreciate your services and the confidence you gave me. I also would like to thank the nurses in the labour ward for their excellent services. Thanks for the smiles and the extreme care. You have certainly reassured me that the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is a good hospital. I would never doubt your services again now that I’ve seen them for myself.
M Govender DURBAN
AND ANOTHER FOR STANGER
THIS letter of appreciation is to Dr Chowdhury, Chief Medical Officer (Ophthalmology), at Stanger Hospital.
Dr Chowdhury, I don’t know how to express our gratitude for your co-operation with top health management and fitting in – with your congested programme, at short notice – time to help patient SZ Mahanjana.
I cannot find the appropriate words to say thank you to you and your efficient staff (Sr Mavundla and assistants), for receiving patient SZ Mahanjana and warmly exercising such wonderful care and treatment, which wiped out the frustration and the pain.
Because we are pensioners it was not easy, financially, to attend your clinic, but the strain was alleviated by your continuous caring and encouragement. MJ Mahanjana
I
T’S WORLD Aids Day on November 25, and all over theworld, countries are building up to a day of
acknowledgement of and support for this dreaded scourge.
Here in South Africa, the national Department of Health has been busy co-ordinating its own activities for the country,
and several national initiatives are expected to do a lot for uniting people in the fight
against the pandemic.
The Department has asked all provinces to support the formation of a Human Chain on November 29 or 30 (date still to be confirmed as November 25 coincides with the start of the 16 days of activism against violence to women and
children) at lunchtime, between 12 noon and 2pm.
Thami Skenjana, director of the Government Aid Action Plan in Pretoria, said the
Durban chain would be formed around the City Hall and across to the Gugu Dlamini Memorial Park, but in other parts of the country, it was the intention to form chains around hospitals and clinics.
“The aim is to show solidarity and support for people infected and affected by HIV/Aids,” she said. “We’re doing a massive awareness campaign before then – through the media, radio, advertisements, bush telegraph . . . whatever works! We need the public to realise that if we unite, we can make things happen.”
The Health Department, she added, was registering the theme for this year’s campaign as “A Nation Caring For Life”.
“In the spirit of ubuntu, in the joining of hands as South Africans, we can make a difference,” she said. “And we’re hoping for a huge response.”
Another activity in the build up to World Aids Day (KZN is hosting the 2005 National World Aids Day event) is a pledge-a-thon.
“Every person around the country will be asked to make pledges of any kind to show their support for and commitment to the struggle against the killer disease,” said Skenjana. “The pledges are not about donating money
(although if you have any extra it will be much appreciated and put to good use) but about giving of yourself – some ideas include helping to bath a sick person, helping with
homework, walking someone to the shop, reading someone a story, giving someone a lift, promising to keep your virginity until you are ready/practicing safer sex, preventing a crime, or cleaning out your cupboard and giving away a blanket or jersey.”
You could also have an orphan spend a weekend or Christmas with you and your family, visit someone in hospital, wash someone’s feet and clip their nails, tell
someone how to prevent getting HIV – the list is endless, but essentially it’s supporting this year’s theme of “A Nation Caring for Life”.
The national Health
Department will be supplying pledge-a-thon postcards to hospitals and clinics on which the pledge can be written and then posted into a box (special post boxes will be supplied).
“The pledges will be counted at the World Aids Day event,” said Skenjana. “So put your thinking caps on now!”
* Watch the press and listen to the radio for details of when the human chain event is going
to happen.
MAKE YOUR PLEDGE
FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
Keeping kids healthy
MBALI THUSI
T
HOUSANDS of primary school learners were visited by a team of health care workers from different health programmes within the department as part of the National School Health Week initiative between October 10 and 14.No less than 131 schools were seen during this project of promoting healthy lifestyles among learners, with valuable assistance from staff from different health programmes, namely: Nutrition,
Rehabilitation and Disability, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Environmental Health and Oral Health.
Armed with toothbrushes, toothpaste and eye screening charts, staff began their mission of teaching learners about the importance of good health. They also taught them how to fight against diseases and conditions like tooth decay, which could be prevented if children were educated and screened at a young age.
Those who required further medical attention and
treatment were referred to local health institutions.
Co-ordinator of the National School Health Week in KZN Esther Snyman said the department used the time to strengthen the existing school health programme in the province.
“In February, the department launched a school health policy, and the National School Health Week initiative has helped us to strengthen, improve and
implement a co-ordinated service and improve our existing programme,” she said.
“It also gave us a chance to critically look at what needs to be done and to try to co-ordinate this with the
departments of education and social Welfare and
Development.”
The screening will also help the department channel health issues and priorities
accordingly, especially at school level.
“If we find there are many learners with sight, hearing or dental health problems, for instance, we will then know exactly which areas need more emphasis.”
Social issues like HIV and Aids, substance abuse and child abuse were also tackled during the week long initiative, and it is envisaged this
programme will expand to secondary schools.
Staff from the Department of Health have been all over the province screening and assessing learners in primary schools. Here children from a school in the Ugu district are being screened and assessed, and having their eyesight checked.
A mum’s
best present
On October 17, the health department handed over a boot load of baby clothing donated by generous members of the public to Lungile Makhathini, 19. It gave the young mother even more reason to celebrate her triplets’ one month birthday on October 18.
Makhathini and her three little babes, Simamukele, Sisanda, and Samkelo, made big news recently on the birth of their children, and
W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W Win W in Win W in Win W in Win in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in W in
UNWELE
OLUDE
Win a R300 gift voucher from our good friends Atlas Pharmacy. Simply answer
this easy question and send your answer on a postcard or the
back of an envelope to: Daily News/Unwele Olude
Competition No. 6 Box 47358 Greyville 4023 CLOSING DATE: November 18 at 12 noon. QUESTION:
When is World Aids Day celebrated?
CONGRATULATIONS!
Last month’s winners are Lucia Lynsky and Matthew Buthelezi. Congratulations! Your
prize letters are in the post!
ATLAS IS MORE THAN JUST A PHARMACY
At our medical centre we enlist the services of the following professionals, which enables
us to offer you a practical, convenient, safe and expedient service.
• Homeopathic doctor • Psychologist • Arthritis specialist • Physiotherapist • General Practitioner
• Qualified and experienced nursing sister • Chronic patients who collect medication
from us on a regular basis are able to have free BP and blood glucose screening done while they wait for their medication. Our resident nurse will administer this on the 1st Floor of the Medical Centre.
Let Atlas help you help yourself !!!
Along with the chronic condition screening, our resident nurse will advise and counsel you and work out a management
programme that includes: • Lifestyle analysis • Dietary pyramid • Counselling
• Monitoring of your chronic condition
ATLAS HAS BRANCHES AT: Shop 1, Berea Centre 257, Berea Road,
Durban (Ph: 031 242 3100) and in Pietermaritzburg, Shop 2, 280 Longmarket Street (Ph: 033 394 6601).
New graduates
swell the ranks
MBALI THUSI
J
UST more than six months ago, the provincial Department of Health began a programme training emergencycare-practitioners in basic life support. This started as a pilot programme driven by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and is now bearing fruit.
Because it was a pilot programme, only 50 candidates were recruited.
The successful ones went into a three-month
training programme in August and recently graduated, now being ready to face the public and provide emergency care.
Their graduation could not have come at a better time. As we approach the festive season it is expected there will be an increased need for emergency services.
The training was done at the EMRS training centre in the Ugu District.
The 50 recruits were selected from throughout the province and as part of the selection criteria each had to be unemployed, have a Grade 12
certificate, and be people who had not had any opportunity to further their studies.
According to Priya Maharaj from the EMRS, this is the first time a recruitment programme like this has been
successfully carried out in the country.
“Almost all of the recruits who have graduated are from the rural areas, and 16 of them are women,” she said. “Apart from the training they’ve already had, they also have the chance to study further through our recently opened college at Northdale Hospital.”
As part of the
transformation process the department has unveiled and introduced rank insignia for all operation supervisors and officers.
For the first time in the history of Emergency Medical Services in South Africa, there will be more than 150 Emergency Medical Care supervisors, all of whom will be awarded their rank insignias.
This is aimed at
strengthening governance and ensuring continuity of
pre-hospital and in-hospital Emergency Medical Care.
The graduation ceremony of the 50 trainees coincided with the launch of the festive season’s Alpha Operation, and 50 of the 200 newly acquired fleet of ambulances were displayed.
Alpha Operation is aimed at increasing the number of ambulances on major routes and stepping up visibility throughout the holiday period.
The public will be advised through the media of the dates for sending in applications for the intake of the second group of recruits.
DITORIAL - DO NOT KILL\unwele?\Unwele\operation alpha
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Department of Health KZN
POSTAL ADDRESS Private Bag X9051 Pietermaritzburg 3200 PHYSICAL ADDRESS Natalia Building
330 Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 TELEPHONE: 033 395 2111 WEBSITE www.kznhealth.gov.za THE OMBUDSPERSON P/Bag X9051
Pietermaritzburg 3200 FAX: 033 394 0584 AIDS HELPLINE: 0800 0123 22 OPERATIONS CENTRE: 0800 00 5133 IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY: 10177
