Umkhanyakude in Crisis

Mchunu, who represented Premier Zweli Mkhize during Women's Day celebrations, said at least 887 in 100000 people had TB due to the high prevalence of HIV-Aids in the district.
uMkhanyakude consists of Mtubatuba, Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, uMhlabuyalingana and Jozini municipalities.
"HIV-Aids and TB are a huge drain on resources, with affected patients taking up the bulk of beds in health care facilities. It is for these reason that this government launched a provincial partnership to fight the scourge.
"This partnership involves political, traditional, religious leaders and those in civil society," Mchunu said.
"We must mobilise local leaders to ensure that support is given to people who get treatment for TB.
"In this way we will reduce defaulters and ensure completion of treatment. Support groups must also be formed in all wards in this district to ensure that all affected individuals receive comfort and protection. People must also be encouraged to go for the voluntary counselling and testing. Only when people know their status will they be able to live healthy lifestyles.
"Our view is that the fight against HIV-Aids should be closely linked to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment."
Mchunu also said over the period 2002 to 2006, the percentage of children who went hungry was substantially higher in female-headed households than in male-headed households.
"For example, in 2006 in 3,4percent of female-headed households, children went hungry as against 1,6percent in male-headed households," Mchunu said.
Out of an estimated population of 573341 people in uMkhanyakude, 54,8percent is female and 45,2percent male.
"Clearly, women are the most vulnerable as they lack access to economic opportunities. The economic well-being of this municipality cannot be achieved if women are massively underprivileged."