Health Workers' Response to Measles Outbreak

The overwhelming frustration and despair associated with an epidemic of this seriousness has been replaced with a sense of optimism and hardened resolve. When the metropole had less registered nurses than required many of the health facilities were stretched beyond capacity - health workers (and even parents) from all sectors rallied to the call and proved that we all stand together in times of need and great danger.

This measles epidemic has been very serious, hitting Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Klipfontein and the Northern District particularly hard. Out of sheer necessity and for the first time ever, the age of children to be immunized has been extended from 0 months to 59 months (5 years) for polio and from 6 months to 15 years for measles. Due to the immense number of children in need of immunisation - three times more than ever before - health workers became severely overstretched until appeals for volunteers to come forward began to pay off. Parents became health volunteers in the Northern District and private health facilities also offered their assistance at no charge.

Going well beyond their core duties, staff have also joined up with the Metro District Health Services and City of Cape Town to go out to schools and creches to immunise children at risk.

This has truly been a wonderful example of community resolve and camaraderie a testament to the underlying spirit that all health workers hold dear: care to those in need.

Statement by:
Directorate
Communications
Western Cape Department of Health.