In response to rising public concerns, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has reassured South Africans that the recent outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in schools does not pose a severe public health threat. During a virtual briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Aaron Motsoaledi addressed fears surrounding the virus, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where multiple cases have been reported.
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease: No Need for Panic
Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized that despite the painful symptoms associated with Hand Foot and Mouth Disease, the condition is self-limiting and does not require specific medical treatment. “There’s been worry or panic because people all over the world are wary of pandemics due to what Covid did to us,” he said. However, he reassured the public that HFMD is not a zoonotic disease and should not be confused with Foot and Mouth Disease affecting livestock.
The virus primarily affects children under five years of age and typically resolves within a week to 10 days. “The problem here is pain, so you treat only the symptoms because, as a virus, it doesn’t really have any treatment nor does it really need it,” Aaron Motsoaledi added.
Confirmed Cases in KwaZulu-Natal Schools
According to the latest statistics:
- eThekwini metro has reported 120 cases
- iLembe district has 25 cases
- uGu district has recorded 20 cases
- Three additional cases have been noted in another district
Committee member Michelle Clark shared her personal experience, highlighting that her grandchildren were affected. “Both my grandchildren have this disease, and many children in their school in Cape Town have been sent home for 10 days. The blisters around the anal canal and legs make it painful to eat, but they’re not really sick—just very uncomfortable.”
Department of Health’s Broader Performance Overview
During the briefing, Director-General Dr. Sandile Buthelezi presented the department’s performance for the first three quarters of the 2024 financial year. While the department achieved an unqualified audit opinion and exceeded targets for health promotion messages and ministerial visits, it faced challenges in employment equity targets:
- Women in senior management: 47.5% (against a 50% target)
- Youth employment: Below 30% target
- Persons with disabilities: 0.1% (against a 2.5% target)
National Health Insurance (NHI) Progress
The department also provided updates on the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme. Discussions with the South African Medical Association on the capitation model for primary healthcare are ongoing. Meanwhile, the electronic medical record system is being beta-tested in Free State, Northwest, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
TB Remains a Major Health Challenge
Motsoaledi also addressed concerns about tuberculosis (TB), calling it a public health crisis. “TB is curable, but it has killed more people than HIV/AIDS, cholera, Ebola, and even Covid-19,” he stated. The TB cure rate currently stands at only 67% for drug-sensitive TB, which committee members described as “shockingly low.”
To improve TB detection and treatment, the department is rolling out an SMS notification system to alert patients about their test results and is working on expanding diagnostic access beyond hospitals.
Staffing and Financial Challenges in the Health Sector
Staffing shortages remain a significant issue:
- 3,433 unfilled doctor positions out of 25,500 available posts
- 135,136 nursing positions filled out of 157,000 available slots
Recruitment efforts have been hampered by budget constraints and regulatory requirements, particularly Circular 49, which freezes vacant positions until approval is granted.
Financially, the Department of Health operates on a budget of R62.2 billion, with expenditure tracking at 67% for employee compensation and 53% for goods and services. Due to austerity measures, only 51 of 60 prioritized posts were successfully filled.
Looking Ahead
The department’s overall performance has improved, with target achievement rates rising from 40.6% in the first quarter to 63.6% in the third quarter. The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is also expected to present its delayed annual report following a cyberattack on its systems.
While Hand Foot and Mouth Disease continues to spread in schools, parents and educators are urged to manage symptoms and maintain hygiene practices to prevent further transmission. The Department of Health remains committed to addressing broader healthcare challenges while keeping the public informed.
Also Read: Durban Parents Urge School Closure Amid Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
