Some community healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal, who are screening for the Covid-19 coronavirus and tracing contacts of people with the disease, are concerned about rising levels of stigma, writes Nomfundo Xolo
As the number of confirmed Covid-19 coronavirus cases in KwaZulu-Natal increase, provincial health authorities, health practitioners and public health activists are urging residents to avoid the spread of misinformation which is fuelling stigma around Covid-19, writes Nomfundo Xolo.
Simelane-Zulu said in a statement at the time that the unrest “is uncalled for, and may be a symptom of a lack of understanding of Covid-19, which needs to change”.As of Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal had recorded 1 693 positive cases, 46 deaths and 842 recoveries.Community health worker Bandile Mbengani agrees that misconceptions about the disease are a big problem.
“But people are frightened during, and even after they test and screen because we don’t have enough information to help demystify stigma related to the virus. This is mostly because it’s new to scientists, health practitioners and community health workers. We need to highlight that diagnosing Covid-19 is only done through testing.
“These are the people who can help emphasise the importance of tolerance and empathy when dealing with this health crisis.”Sazi Mhlongo, leader of the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Healers Association, says government denies the role of traditional healers in the community. But some community health workers are sceptical of the role of traditional healers. In a public meeting on Covid-19 hosted by the People’s Health Movement SA in Cape Town earlier this year, some community workers expressed concern that people will opt for traditional medicine and methods rather than accessing healthcare and testing as provided by health workers and in health facilities.
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