In October 2023, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, we launched a project to improve the identification and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Amathole District, which is MSF's first NCDs project in South Africa. We aim to apply lessons from two decades of working on HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa to enhance NCD care in rural settings.
Data and information from the International Activity Report 2023.
The new project in Butterworth, Eastern Cape province, focuses on improving screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of NCDs, such as diabetes and hypertension, through advocacy, research, health promotion, training and mentorship of community healthcare workers (CHWs). In collaboration with the Department of Health, we trained CHWs, nurses and community-based organisations, and ran awareness campaigns that reached over 1,500 people in the region.
We also identified medication pick-up points and kickstarted the registration process in consultation with patients, the Department of Health and community-based organisations. Pick-up points are run by private providers who dispense NCD drugs to patients on behalf of the government.
In May, in Hamanskraal, Tshwane city, we supported a cholera intervention by establishing a cholera treatment unit in the community. We also provided technical support to the unit’s infection prevention and control department. In addition, we donated hygiene kits comprising oral rehydration tablets, soap, aqua tabs, buckets and jerry cans, and partnered with other international organisations to train Department of Health staff in all nine provinces of South Africa on cholera readiness.
At the end of 2023, we handed over our Tshwane migrant project to the local authorities and a community-based organisation, after training staff on how to work with undocumented people. Our team had provided access to medical care for migrants and other marginalised groups, and worked to ensure this would continue after our departure.
After 12 years of operations, we closed our HIV and tuberculosis (TB) project in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal province. The project’s community-oriented approach helped to increase integrated treatment of HIV, TB, diabetes and hypertension through nine community-based sites, which were successfully handed over to the Department of Health. Many achievements have been made in introducing TB health promotion activities in schools, and we have also shared valuable guidance on integrating drug-resistant TB services into general healthcare services.
IN 2023
