The Eastern Cape health department has announced a R4-million plan to help deal with perennial cholera outbreaks, which have since 2002 claimed the lives of 83 people and hospitalised another 6 000 in the region.
Departmental spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said on Thursday the anti-cholera drive includes public-awareness events using roadshows, radio, community gatherings and house-to-house hygiene education.
He said 22 specialised motorbikes, 11 with water-purification kits, five with first-aid equipment and six with audiovisual equipment, are going to help combat outbreaks.
”The bikes would be utilised as mobile clinics and for public-awareness campaigns and water purification,” he said in a statement.
Kupelo said a contributing factor to the cholera outbreaks in areas such as the Transkei is the fact that a number of villages are without clean water and proper sanitation.
Provincial health minister Bevan Goqwana is expected to hand over the motorbikes in Mthatha on Friday. — Sapa