In a bid to encourage community members to know their health status, the Minister of Health-Dr Joe Phaahla, accompanied by his deputy-Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini, visited Oakley(under the Mathibela Tribal Council) in Bushbuckridge on Tuesday 9 January for the official launch of Operation Check Impilo Campaign.
The Department said, in a statement, that the campaign encourages regular screening and testing for ailments such as HIV, TB, Sexually Transmitted Infections(STI’s), Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Dr Phaahla requested the residents to prioritise their lives and live a healthy lifestyle which includes regular clinic visits for medical check-ups in order to improve their life expectancy.
Some of the community members who attended the event at
Mpumalanga Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, reiterated Dr Phaahla’s pleas by also urging the residents, particularly men, to visit their nearest health facilities for early detection of ailments. He also urged religious leaders and traditional healers to encourage their clients to seek medical help first, and advised them to take their medication as advised by health professionals.
