Health Minister
Measles cases spreading in South Africa
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases(NICD) has confirmed measles cases in all nine provinces. However, only Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West are experiencing actual outbreaks. Health Minister Joe Phaala and his nine provincial health MECs will update the…
Alarm bells as SA records 5th monkeypox case
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, confirmed South Africa’s fifth monkeypox case earlier today and expressed concern as the numbers continue to rise. “On Wednesday, the 17th of August, we received a report from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases…
Take precautions against contracting monkeypox
The Health Ministry has asked South Africans to take precautions against contracting monkeypox. Authorities identified a second case earlier this week. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed it identified the second case of monkeypox through laboratory testing on…
COVID-19: Week of reckoning for SA’s fifth wave
South Africa could enter its fifth wave of cases earlier than expected, following a sharp spike in cases after the Easter weekend, says health minister Joe Phaahla. Speaking during a media briefing on Friday (29 April), Phaahla said the fifth wave was initially…
National Health Act amendments – What do they mean?
The National Department of Health has made amendments to the National Health Act to ensure government is equipped to control and manage the resurgence of COVID-19. Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, confirmed that a number of regulations from the disaster…
Vax Champs fight hesitancy
The vax champs campaign will counter false information about COVID-19 spread on social media. The health department said that widespread misinformation discourages South Africans from vaccinating. Campaign coordinator Pauline Maketa believes that speaking to ‘vax champs’ would encourage those who…
Pop up COVID-19 vaccine sites at some voting stations
Voters are urged to make use of pop-up COVID-19 vaccine sites at voting stations as South Africans gear up to make their mark in Monday’s 2021 Municipal Elections. These additional sites have been put in place as government intensifies efforts…