CHAIRPERSON S NOTE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NEWS. Newsletter of the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NEWS Newsletter of the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners 2015/16 CHAIRPERSON S NOTE HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Mr. Jerry Chaka Chairperson It is indeed a privilege for our Board to continue with this means of communication to registered Environmental Health Professionals in South Africa, through our Environmental Health newsletter. As we approach the end of our term of office in June 2015, we feel proud that we kept our promise of continuously communicating to you on the important role that the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners is playing in protecting the public and guiding the profession. The Board held two meetings during the year 2014, one in June 2014 and the last one in October The June 2014 meeting reviewed the Board s Strategic Plans. The Board acknowledges that it did well over the years to achieve the strategic objectives set for its term of office. The Board also identified the need to develop a risk register to mitigate its risks and periodically assess and implement the required interventions. Two stakeholder meetings were held during the reporting period, one with Universities training Environmental Health Practitioners in April 2014 another with Environmental Health Practitioners practising in the Mpumalanga Province, at Nelspruit, in October A decision was taken during the meeting with Universities that the Board will accede to the introduction of the four year professional degree for Environmental Health in phases due to challenges faced by most of the Universities to be ready to implement the professional degree in To this effect, two universities have implemented the professional degree in 2015, i.e. Tshwane University of Technology and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The Board conducted an audit to assess the readiness of these Universities in November A phased out approach of the National Diploma in Environmental Health will also be developed by Universities when they introduce the professional degree. It is important to report that the Environmental Management Inspectors training will be built into the four year degree and graduates for the programme can therefore be designated as Environmental Management Inspectors. A need was also identified to develop a curriculum for the training of Environmental Health Assistants. The Board agreed that the outcome of this training will be an advanced certificate for Environmental Health Assistants. The Board received two resignations of Board members towards the end of 2013, a community representative Mr. T. Makgatholela and an Environmental Health Practitioner, Dr. T. Govender. The Board requested the office of the Minister to replace Mr. Makgatholela and the Board co-opted Mr. Andre Van Zyl to replace Dr. T. Govender, and Prof Perumal was appointed. The Board conducted audits at three universities during the years 2013 and The Universities are Tshwane University of Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the University of Johannesburg. These audits are conducted after every five years to ensure that Universities training for Environmental Health Practitioners comply with minimum standards set out by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The admission of Health promoters in the Health Professions Council of South Africa was delegated to our Board by the HPCSA. The Board would like to advise professionals that this should not be seen as a threat to our Board but mainly to grow the Board. The Board approved the Regulations relating to the Qualifications for registration of Health Promotion Practitioners and this is in the process of being promulgated by the Minister. The Board is busy developing a Scope of Practise for Health Promotion Practitioners and this will also go through the process of being promulgated into law by the Minister once finalised. Health Promoters will then be required to function within their scope of practise once this has been promulgated. They will therefore not practise as Environmental Health Practitioners as their scope will be different from that of Environmental Health Practitioners. The Board participated in the 13th International Federation of Environmental Health World Congress in Environmental Health in July 2014 at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The Board participated at the SAIEH National Environmental health updates From the Department of Health Congratulatory note to Mr Jerry Chaka Ebola: Is it a preventable disease? Visit by the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) Report back onthe 13Th World Environmental Health Congress

2 Conference in Environmental Health held in Port Elizabeth in August The Board also participated in various celebrations of the World Environmental Health Day in the Country, one held on September 2014 in Rustenburg North West Province and one at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town on 09 October The Board s presentations at both WEHD celebrations were well received by delegates. The vision of the Board Visible Board leading the Environmental Health Profession towards excellence was realised during this Board s term of office. This momentum of reaching out to environmental health professionals must be maintained and extended to the public by the Board. As this is the last newsletter of my Board to Practitioners, I would like to thank the Administration of the HPCSA for supporting this Board in carrying out its mandate and the mandates of the HPCSA during its term of office. My appreciation also goes to all Board members who contributed positively to the works of the Board. As the outgoing Board, we also like to thank our Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi for entrusting us with this mammoth responsibility of protecting the public by appointing this team for the term. We appreciate the support given by all of you Environmental Health Professionals in the country. I confidently confirm that the work entrusted to us as a team was carried out and achieved diligently and the work of the PBEHP must continue into the future. Mr. Jerry Chaka Chairperson ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH UPDATES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH The Environmental Health Division in the National Department of Health is hard at work to ensure that the country is receiving the national leadership and guidance required in terms of policies, norms and standards and plans including realignment of national strategic environmental health services. The year 2014 culminated in the launch of these key strategic imperatives. The following received special attention during the year: Environmental Health Policy During the 2014 World Environmental Health Celebration held in Rustenburg Civic Centre, The National Department launched the first ever National Policy on Environmental Health (NPEH) which was approved by the Minister of Health, Dr A Motsoaledi in 2013/14 financial year. The NPEH is subject to the broader National Health Policy, as set out in the White Paper on the Transformation of Health Services in South Africa and the National Health Act, 2003 (Act No 61 of 2003), as amended. It reflects the Government s intent as far as rendering Environmental Health Services is concerned in the country. Minister in the Preamble stated that This Policy is a piece of wire that will assist in capitulating environmental health status to greater height. When environmental health receives attention, we are rest assured that health and safety has been fortified. We cannot be successful in achieving a long and healthy life unless environmental health services receive the attention it deserves The success of the implementation of this policy is dependent on improved cooperation and collaboration with other government departments, the private sector, the community at large, and environmental health fraternity. Transfer of Port Health Services Port Health Services has been the responsibility of the Provincial Departments of Health. On the 5th of June 2014, the President signed a proclamation placing the responsibility of providing and facilitating port health services with the National department of Health with the date of effect being the 01st of September Various reasons led to the transfer of the service from Provinces to the National Department. The need for a uniform provision of the service, the international nature of port health service (providing services between countries and implementing the International Health Regulations) and the non prioritisation of port health services by certain provinces are some of the reasons a cabinet decision was taken to transfer the service. These changes began with the Amendment of the National Health Act, (Act No. 61 of 2003) where amendments to section 21 of the Act under sub-section 2(f) gave the responsibilities to National Department of Health. It further removed the same responsibilities from Provincial Health Departments under section 25(2) (f).environmental Health practitioners employed by Provinces as port health officers will as of the 1st of April 2014 report directly to the national department of health. A lot of work has been conducted by the team responsible for facilitating the transfer of the service and the support provided by provinces has been commendable. This process couldn t have come as far as it is now without the coordinated effort of both levels of governance. 1

3 National Climate Change and Health Adaptation Plan In June 2014, the Department of Health approved the National Climate Change and Health Adaptation Plan and thereafter it was launched at the World Environmental Health Day celebration held at Rustenburg in September The Plan aims to provide a broad framework for health sector action toward adaptation to climate change which concentrates on vulnerable groups, urban and rural settlements and the general South African health and environment situation. A set of core principles have been identified that will guide the implementation of the plan in the health sector which includes, amongst others, prevention, community participation, intersectoral cooperation and collaboration, synergies between climate change adaptation and other public health initiatives, equity and evidencebased planning. This plan is for a five year period ( ) and has defined nine health and environment potential risks in which human beings are directly and indirectly exposed to the negative impacts of climate change with eleven key health actions interventions. In order to make the plan practical and feasible, a comprehensive and robust plan of action has been developed involving various roleplayers, institutions, departments and organizations. National Norms and Standards for Environmental Health The environmental health fraternity has ever been advocating for the standardisation of environmental health services in the country. Therefore, the department has developed and finalised National Norms and Standards for Environmental Health in South Africa, and Monitoring of Standards for Environmental Health Practitioners. The norms and standards aim to promote compliance with environmental health requirements for protection of human health, and to provide a national approach in standardising activities in the delivery of environmental health services. The monitoring standards will assist in setting a benchmark of quality against which the delivery of environmental health services can be monitored and establish a level against which environmental health service delivery can be assessed and gaps identified. The norms and standards are premised on the fact that government recognises the importance of prevention across all areas of health care, and it is therefore, critical to strengthen environmental health services as a critical programme of preventive and developmental primary healthcare services, required to make a significant contribution to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDGs 4, 5, 6 and 7. By Aneliswa Cele CONGRATULATORY NOTE TO MR JERRY CHAKA On behalf of the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners and the entire Environmental Health Fraternity, I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate the Chairperson of the Board Mr Jerry Chaka for receiving the Eric Foskett Environmental Health Award at the 13th World Environmental Health Congress that was held in Las Vegas, United States of America from 4th to 12th July This is the highest honour bestowed to an individual who has contributed significantly to environmental health globally. Your immense international contribution on environmental health has placed South Africa high in the World map! I commend you for being a shining example to this noble profession. Your resilience and deep commitment to this profession is encouraging to the young and budding Environmental Health Practitioners who still want to make significant contributions to this profession. The success of this profession is directly attributed to your tireless efforts to bring unprecedented changes to environmental health discipline. Best wishes with all your future endeavours! Dr Andile Zimba 2

4 EBOLA: IS IT A PREVENTABLE DISEASE? WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS It is reported that in 2000 Ebola appeared without warning in the northern district of Gulu in Uganda. When this happened, Health workers responded quickly, attending to people infected with the disease and isolated them in order to avoid the spread of the deadly virus. During this epidemic, more than 40 people died and the disease suddenly spread throughout the district and beyond. In February of 2001 the disease had killed 224 people. In South Africa, Environmental Health Practitioners are responsible for the prevention of all diseases. Their training prepares them for such difficult tasks. The training of EHPs equips them to conduct health education within communities, to make people aware of signs and symptoms of all common disease. In South Africa, if such an outbreak occurs, would Environmental Health practitioners be in a position to prevent its spread? Are EHPs empowered to deal with such pandemic event: Do we know more about Ebola to enable us to prevent its spread. This is the question EHPs in SA must ask themselves today. In fact what is Ebola? Is it part of the diseases we teach our student EHPs? Ebola remains unknown globally; scientists have now began to place together some of the puzzle. This exercise will enable our universities to gain more knowledge in order to train our student EHPs to be ready for the challenge. This disease was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and named after a river that flows through that African Nation, it is part of the Filo virus family as reported and has four subtypes. Interestingly, in contrast to popular believe that this is an African disease, Ebola Reston virus was first detected in the United States in 1989 imported from sick monkeys from Philippines to a research laboratory in Ralston, Virginia. It is in the interest of EHPS to learn more about these types of diseases 3 particularly nowadays because the world has become one global village. If this disease reaches our country the communities and government will expect EHPs as experts in the prevention of diseases to take a lead. What are the signs and symptoms of Ebola virus infection? EHPs should know signs and symptoms of Ebola infected person in order to advise such people on time. It is existent in the first few days after infection, symptoms displayed by an infected person include, weakness, sore throat, fever, headaches, muscle pain which rapidly progresses into serious symptoms such as rash, chest pain, severe bloody, vomiting and diarrhoea, uncontrolled internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure and shock. It must be noted that during early days symptoms of Ebola are nonspecific as said earlier, like fever, making it difficult to diagnose. Incubation period is between two and 21 days after exposure. EHPs should also check for people with red eyes, hiccups, difficulty in breathing and swallowing. EHPs as health workers are particularly susceptible to catching it as they work with people; therefore as they try to prevent its spread extra care should be taken for their safety. Universities should give priority to health education in their curriculum and train students of new emerging diseases like Ebola. This would empower new trainees who will in turn empower communities they will work in. This will result in reducing the risk of even health workers catching the disease whilst assisting the people infected with the virus. Some of the important message to be conveyed to the public in order to reduce the spread of Ebola virus includes: Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person s blood or body fluid Do not touch the body of someone who has died from Ebola Do not touch bats and non-human primates or their blood and fluids and do not touch or eat raw meat prepared from these animals Avoid facilities associated with Ebola infected area Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain or unexplained bruising and bleeding. EHPs should advice people to limit contact with other people until and when they go to the doctor. Also advice such people with such symptoms not to travel anywhere else besides a health care facility. The EHPs should give the above information to the people as a way to empower the public on how to protect them against Ebola. References: Department of Health and Human Services,(2014). Identity, isolate, in form: Emergency Department Evaluation and Management of Patients with possible Ebola virus disease. Centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) Human illnesses. Com/ infectious diseases co- Ha 1 Ebola virus infectious html accessed Broderick C. (2014). Ebola Manufactured by western pharmaceuticals, US DoD Scientist Alliage word news daily Doctors without boarders (2014). Ebola out in West Africa: MSF updated By Mukhola M Stanley

5 VISIT BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (EHORECON) TO THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS The Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria visited our Board on September 2013 to learn best practises. The aim of the visit was also to benchmark with our Board on specific environmental health programmes as well as to benchmark on administration and management of Council. The Health Professions Council of South Africa presented to (EHORECON) on the functioning of the HPCSA and its Boards, the registration process of the HPCSA and the role of the Public Relations department of the HPCSA. The Board Chairperson then addressed EHORECON on specifics relating to the professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioner s operations, its links with the practitioners and its role in the protection of the Public. Specific questions prepared by EHORECON were also answered by the Chairperson of the Professional Board. EHORECON delegates were also taken to the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) celebration held at Turffontein, Johannesburg on the 25 September The aim was to allow interaction with Environmental Health Practitioners within South Africa as well as to allow sharing of best practises with practising colleagues. The interaction mutually benefited both our professionals and visitors. EHORECON delegates at HPCSA offices. From left is Abonyi Dominic, Manguwet Paul, Jerry Chaka( Chair PBEHP), Aliyu Zakariya u, Okoro Uka and Jinadu Donald. The Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria has now requested for an exchange programme that will enable their principal officers to visit the HPCSA to understudy the regulating processes and procedures. The Board also decided to visit Nigeria to strengthen the relationship established with EHORECON and also learn their systems. This approach will also be extended to other African countries in the future with the aim of improving relations and approaches with similar organisations in Africa. EHORECON delegates with Jerry Chaka and Selva Mudaly at the World Environmental Health Day Celebrations, Turffontein, JHB 4

6 REPORT ON THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH THAT TOOK PLACE ON AUGUST 2014 AT BOARDWALK CONVENTION CENTRE, PORT ELIZABETH BACKGROUND The National Conference on Environmental Health was organised by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association. The national conference is a biannual event organised to share best practises in South Africa and to network on Environmental Health education, training and service delivery. The theme of the conference was Environmental Health, the cornerstone of preventative and sustainable health care delivery in South Africa. CONFERENCE SUBTHEMES The conference addressed the following subthemes: Governance of Environmental Health in South Africa. The role of Environmental Health in the National Health Insurance Environmental Health Research The implementation of the National Norms and Standards for Environmental Health in South Africa Implementation of the new National Policy on Environmental Health Co-ordination of Environmental Health Management Environmental Health Professional development and Training Food Management and Safety Environmental Health Education Environmental Pollution Control Water and Sanitation Environmental Health focus Community Development Projects Communicable Disease and Epidemiology Port Health PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE The conference was opened by the President of the South African Institute of Environmental Health, Mr. Selva Mudaly. He highlighted achievements made by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in advancing the profession, notably its contribution on development of legislation governing 5 environmental health in the country and its enormous contribution to the development of environmental health nationally. He also appealed to professionals to study further so as to enrich their knowledge of environmental health and to ensure that environmental health keep up to speed with new developments. SALGA presented a message of support for the Conference. The Municipal Health Services Summit resolutions were also presented as well as the survey conducted by SALGA on the devolution of municipal health services to municipalities. The presentation identified gaps in the devolution and called for municipalities to speed up the devolution to its successful conclusion. Cllr. Fihla who was acting Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, welcomed delegates in his city. He presented on the achievements of Environmental Health Division in his city and encouraged delegates to visit his city in future. The Health Professions Council of South Africa presentation was more on sharing information regarding developments taking place at the HPCSA and within the Professional Board for Environmental Health. Delegates were informed about the licensure for professionals which will be introduced in the near future as compared to the registration. Municipalities as the main employer of Environmental Health Practitioners were also advised to take full responsibilities of making sure that professionals within their employ are registered with the HPCSA. The need for registration with the HPCSA was thoroughly addressed in the conference. Delegates were also informed that the term of office of the present Professional Board is coming to an end and they were advised to follow due processes in nomination of credible practitioners to lead the profession in the coming term. Other scientific papers presented were following: The nature and scope of environmental health reporting in South Africa: Patric Nodwele Recognizing the role of Environmental Health in Public Health fraternity A South Africa perspective by Mike Agenbag Determining the impact of whether variations due to climate change resulting in the prevalence of diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia by Wellington Sibiya Potential Climate change impact on Environmental Health Services by Visual Singh MHS integration with water services delivery by Dirk Lourens Game meat control by Dr. Leon Bekker Food Safety in the dairy industry by Jompie Burger Biological lag phase versus food poisoning by Willem Michau A quality assurance system for the waste management industry by H. I. Minnie The PBEHP had an exhibition stall at the conference which was manned by Mr David Nemakonde; Dr Andile Zimba and Mr Jerry Chaka. The visits to the stall were satisfactory with many complaints raised and recorded for the attention of the administration. The Veterinary Public Health Officers reopened the issue of group registration with HPCSA. Awards were given by the SAIEH to deserving individuals during an Awards Banquet held in the evening of the second day of the conference. The last day of the conference culminated in a panel discussion about the role of Environmental Health in the National Health Insurance system spearheaded by Dr. Thulare from the National Department of Health. The conference ended with conference Resolutions to be implemented in the two years before the next conference. By J S Chaka

7 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS AND RESEARCH Publish or perish is a concept that places academics at Universities to rapidly and continuously publish their academic work in furthering their academic careers. Publication of research work is one of the few methods available for academics to demonstrate their talent. If you publish your research work, you intentionally bring attention of your scholarly work to the rest of the public. In an academic environment, scholars who publish infrequently may find themselves out of contention for available tenure. Environmental health is regarded as the branch of public health, concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment, which may affect human health. This profession is concerned with protecting both the natural and the built environment for the benefit of human health. During the first year of training of Environmental Health Practitioners ( EHP s), emphasis is placed on the value of environmental health that addresses all the physical, chemical and biological factors external to a person and all related factors impacting on human behaviour. EHPs are trained to assess and control those environmental factors that can potentially affect health, they are also trained to prevent diseases and create supportive environments. As environmental health practitioners go about their day-to-day work, they collect a lot of data which can effectively be used in research to improve the health of their communities. Unfortunately many EHPs fear research and have a perception that research is a difficult subject to handle. This is as a result of the current curriculum that exposes EHPs to research matters during their fourth year (B.Tech) of training. Unfortunately EHPs who were trained prior 2015, did not do research in their undergraduate training. The proposed 4 year professional degree places emphasis on research from year 1 and allocates a minimum of 25 credits for research methods in year 4. This approach will lift the status of environmental health profession as EHPs command a lot of data because of the nature of their work. This amount of data can be used for publication of papers to share with other researchers across the world. It is envisaged that upon completion of the 4 year degree, the future cadre of EHPs will grow into one of the leading research groups in South Africa and internationally. It is of my opinion that the current environmental problems such as air and water pollution, including food safety will properly be researched and EHPs will find solutions to save the public. The future trained EHP will take interest in researching about respiratory diseases, waste management, waterborne diseases, vector control and malaria control as this is prescribed in the new curriculum. The research conducted by EHPs will enable the department of health to prioritise their work, which will be aligned with the principles of agenda 21. Future trained EHPs will be capable of providing high quality research within appropriate timeframes. They will be able to get opportunities to collaborate and build research alliances. In fact EHPs will be expected to conduct applied research with the potential to make an impact and improve the quality of life. As a result EHPs will continue to grow in their skills, acquire knowledge and be able to network with other stakeholders. The issue of climate change and health is a much more talked about topic and EHPs are better placed to work in this area. In reality most of environmental health research areas fits into areas like climate change and health, vulnerability to environmental health risks, especially air pollution. EHPs are in fact specialist in the evaluation of premises and well as risk assessment. I am therefore looking forward that future EHPs will make a contribution in the field of research and this will improve their status and image of environmental health as a profession in South Africa. By M.S. Mukhola 6

8 REPORT TO THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ON THE 2014 WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT HELD ON THE SEPTEMBER 2014 AT RUSTENBURG CIVIC CENTRE, NORTH WEST PROVINCE BACKGROUND The 2014 World Environmental Health Day was celebrated on September 2014 in Rustenburg, North West. This is an annual event celebrated worldwide by the Environmental Health fraternity. It is an International Day initiated by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) on 26 September 2011 and celebrated for the first time in Bali, Indonesia, on 26 September Countries around the world celebrate this annually on 26 September. The Department of Health decided to celebrate this day annually from 2012 at the launch of the WEHD celebrations initiated by the South African Institute of Environmental Health, in collaboration with the Department of Health and HPCSA in Queenstown in September The day formed a landmark of Environmental Health annually in Johannesburg in 2013 cohosted with the City of Johannesburg and this year cohosted with Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. The celebrations are held over a two days annually in South Africa. The 2014 theme of World Environmental Health Day was Addressing Environmental Health Inequalities PRESENTATION AT THE WEHD SUMMIT The welcoming address was done by the Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Cllr Louis Diremelo. A message of support was then presented by the Chairperson of SALGA Health and Safety Working Group, Cllr Zukiswa Ncitha. The Minister of Health was represented by the MEC of Health in the Province, Dr. M. Masike. The message from the Minister s Speech called for Environmental Health Practitioners to be visible and refocus on delivery of quality environmental health services as the old health inspectors did. EHP s must be known by communities they serve. Achievements of the department were also presented. 7 Overview of Environmental Health in the North West Province was presented by Mr. O.M.R. Mokate, Director for Communicable Diseases Control in the North West Department of Health. The Presentation covered coordination of MHS and Provincial Environmental Health Services, Performance of the province in terms of Water Quality Monitoring, Food Hygiene and Safety and Key challenges for MHS in the Province. The presentation covered the perception of households regarding quality of water they drink as per the survey conducted in in the Province showing an increase in the percentage of households with perceptions of the water not being safe for human consumption. Percentage increased from 2,6% in 2006 to 4,6% in Perception of water being not having a good taste increased from 4,8% in 2006 to 6,9% in 2012 and water not being free from bad smells perceptions decreased from 8,7% in 2006 to 5,0% in In general, it could be concluded that unsafe water supply contributes largely to childhood diarrhea diseases leading to an increased under five morbidity and mortality rate in the Province. Other studies conducted in the Province revealed that paraffin and wood usage for cooking was highly prevalent. Number of houses without toilet facilities were at in 2011, there is a significant increase in households living in informal dwellings, increasing from 12, 3% in 2002 to 22, 8% in Generally, the health status of the North West population did not improve significantly over the years. The water quality of the Province stood at 54% compliance in July 2014 and there was a 87% compliance with food samples in July Challenges affecting delivery of MHS in the Province remain to be funding of the services, understaffing, inability to access operational needs and that MHS are not viewed as a priority in the Province. Other presentations at the WEHD Summit were on the pride of the Environmental Health Profession s role in addressing social determinants of health, investigations on compliance with food labeling legislation, malaria Control in South Africa, Ebola Control, Health Impacts of Coal and Crossing Boarders Risk Communication by EHP s. The PBEHP was invited to present on the role of the Board within the HPCSA. My presentation covered the mandate of the HPCSA and Boards, Legal requirements regarding Registration with HPCSA, Objectives of the Board and Council and achievements of the PBEHP. The presentation was well received by delegates. An exhibition space was also allocated to us, where the Board Manager addressed a number of queries from EHPs. Alfred Nzo Environmental Health Awards were presented to deserving Environmental Health Practitioners. The Summit ended with the launch of two national Policies on Environmental Health, the National Environmental Health Policy and the National Climate change and Health adaptation plan. By JS Chaka Chairperson

9 PRODUCTION OF POTABLE WATER FOR SMALL SCALE COMMUNITIES USING LOW-COST FILTRATION MEMBRANE Water is a valuable resource for sustainable development and improved quality of life for all the people in the world. Every person needs potable water on a daily basis for cooking and drinking. However, access to potable water is a challenge to many of the people of the world, especially those in developing countries, South Africa included. South Africa is experiencing skewed infrastructure development, where urban areas have had a fair share of infrastructure development, such as potable water supply network, and most of the rural areas have been left under developed without access to clean water. South Africa does have water resources such as rivers, oceans & seas, lakes, wells, springs dams and ponds. However; the quality of the water from these resources mostly makes the water unsuitable for drinking and cooking purposes. Tshitandani Zone 2 village used to draw drinking water from an unprotected spring whereby the water is pumped with a diesel-driven engine to a reservoir and reticulated to communal stand pipe without undergoing any purification process. Vhembe District Municipality (Municipal Health Services), in collaboration with Tshwane University of Technology and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium came with a concept of conducting a pilot project that will be able to purify water at a low cost production which is commonly known as Water Filtration Membrane Technology. The eventual filtration method is technically simple, easy to operate and to maintain, and much cheaper than known modules that are applied in industrialized countries. This membrane filtration technology has many advantages, such as: improvement of drinking water quality, saving on water purification chemicals and operation cost, easier operation and maintenance and savings of space, time and cost for construction of a water purification plant. The membrane filtration system uses solar power for energy supply and gravitational force to convey water through the treatment processes, thus cutting costs on energy requirements. The system will in future use ultrafiltration membranes which will be locally synthesized from plastic waste without any use of solvents thereby implementing a waste-toproduct principle and also keeping the environment clean. By David Nemakonde 8

10 REPORT BACK ON THE 13TH WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONGRESS HELD IN LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTRODUCTION The 13th World Environmental Health congress was held on 7-10 July 2014 at Las Vegas, USA. The World Congress was held in collaboration with the National Environmental Health Association of America s 78th Annual Education Conference. The theme of the congress was Building a World of Innovative Ideas for Environmental Health. The reason for this congress was to share skills knowledge, and expertise needed to build capacity for environmental health activities, help solve environmental health organisation s daily and strategic challenges and make recommendations to help improve bottom-line results. The congress also offered continued education credits to maintain professional credentials. PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGRESS The congress addressed the following environmental health topics: Children Environmental Health The topic covered important aspects of Environmental Health in the World on child care. The presentation covered protection of children against second hand smoking, scalding hot water, and experiences of shigellosis outbreak in a child care facility. The presentation also covered keeping children safe and healthy through comprehensive child care Regulations applicable in the United States. Meals provided by health care facilities have to be safe and accredited by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Regular outdoor exercise facilities for children are also required for child care facilities and these are required to be safe and ensure protection of children against injuries and environmental hazards. Emergency Preparedness and Response America is one of the countries frequently hit by disasters. To this effect, environmental health plays a major part in disaster management and control. Collaboration between the National Environmental Health Association of America and the International Federation of Environmental Health to expand training internationally on Disaster Management for environmental health professionals was identified. Training is therefore, conducted to Environmental Health Professionals worldwide to address disasters globally. The course implemented is a course developed by the Centre for Disease Control in America. It promotes the profession and ensures that professionals are adequately equipped to prepare, respond, recover and mitigate the adverse impact of Emergency preparedness into retails food facility inspections. It provides expertise to professionals to ensure that food facilities are capable of being accredited to provide safe food after a disaster. The approach provides an opportunity for the regulator and operator to partner to increase chances of the facility s success after a disaster and to reduce time spent on post-disaster assessment and protect the public s health at the same time. The Emergency preparedness and response session also addressed protecting of living environment of survivors in congregate shelters during disasters where issues of shelters safety were discussed. Human needs for survival during disaster situations were discussed under this topic including the important priority to be played by public health agencies responding to any disaster. The presentation described the current knowledge and use of assessments as well as the importance and benefits of using them as a data collection tool for decision making and occupant protection. Assessment procedures and tools were also discussed. The session also discussed disaster management challenges from noncommunicable diseases. Due to population aging and an increase in longevity, there has been a disease transition for non-communicable 9

11 diseases which are challenges for the 21st century. This is a new concept for environmental health and disaster management to explore as the focus has traditionally been on communicable diseases in a disaster setting. Today, damages to public health infrastructure such as food, water and sanitation facilities places vulnerable populations at a great risk. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Under the Environmental Justice theme, the following presentations were made: 101 Ways to Improve Health Enquiries The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) works to disseminate knowledge and information concerning how to address Health inequalities worldwide. To this effect, the IFEH developed a policy document, Policy 10 on Health inequalities. The Policy is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) report Closing the Gap in a Generation, which aims to improve health equity through action on the social determinants of health. The Presentation was done by Rob Bradbury from Canada who acted as a Moderator, Peter Archer from England, Wales, Northern Ireland who acted as co-presenter and Henning Hansen from Denmark who was a co-presenter. The discussion panel comprised of Dr. Peter Davey from Australia, Dr. Sylvanus Thompson from Canada, Dr. Welford Roberts from USA and Jerry Chaka from South Africa. A presentation was made by Peter Archer on the role of the IFEH being to provide a local point for national organisations of practitioners whose concern is the care of the environment in the interest of the public health structures and activities of the IFEH were also presented. A presentation was then also made on Closing the gap in a generation. In 2008, World Health Organisation Commission led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, gave a report of live expectancies in different countries, one being 80 years in affluent countries and elsewhere in less affluent countries being 45 years. The world is also confronted by disparities in life expectancies in the same country where life expectancy might be 80 years in one part of the same country and 40 years in the other part of the same country. Professor Marmot, in his report, identifies a number of factors contributing to these disparities ranging from poverty, access to water, sanitation, good nutrition and he identifies social injustice as killing on a grand scales and calls on all governments to close the gap in a generation. In closing the gap in a generation, Professor Marmot concedes that medicine failed prevention. The World Health Organisation Commission in 2008 argued that achieving health equity within a generation is achievable it is the right thing to do and now is the right time to do it. Nations around the World through WHO structures have developed policy documents on closing the gap in a generation. The UK developed a policy document on Fair Society, Healthy lives which is a document on strategic reviews of Health inequalities in England. WHO Europe also developed a document named Health 2020: A European Policy Framework supporting action across government and society for health and wellbeing, and a policy document named Review of Social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region. IFEH acknowledges that many issues relevant to the environmental health profession are matters of health equity. These matters relate to the following: - Warm healthy housing Safe nutritious food, water and sanitation Absence of harmful emissions and reduction of greenhouse gases Safe workplace and health schools Healthy transport Epidemiology and infectious disease control Lifestyles diseases e.g. cancer, obesity, cardio-vascular conditions Environmental determinants of diseases, etc. The European Group of the IFEH decided to wait for the WHO Europe Region health equity outcomes framework to support member states commitment to closing the health equity gap in a generation. The IFEH decided to contribute positively in this global project of closing the gap in a generation by developing postcards for health equities to collect information around the world from environmental health professionals projects that address health inequalities. The postcard details what the professionals did and what were the outcomes of their projects. The intention is to collect 101 postcards worldwide. Postcards collected from different parts of the world are made available on the IFEH website; IFEH also encouraged member organisations to submit postcards. Panel members were also allowed to present on their regional health inequalities and how these are addressed. A discussion with questions from the floor then ensued. The World congress addressed other topical environmental health themes. The following were discussed: 10

12 Food Protection and Defence On Site Waste Water; Under the session on Food protection and Defence, the following papers were presented: A national collaborative effort to support the FDA National Retail Food regulatory Program Standards Local experience with FDA Retail Food Regulatory Program; Food Safety applications can improve Food Safety Standards; Applying a Behaviour change Model proven to be effective in child care setting to licensed Food establishments; Investigation of a large Foodborne illness Outbreak in Toronto, Canada. The Great Food truck Race for Food Safety; The following papers were presented: Transfer of property Requirements: Training; Certification and Politics; Grey water and water re-use in the South West; Market impact of Product Testing; Product acceptance and Regulations. On site waste water treatment and the value of independent certification The proliferation of Blue Green Algae Environmental Health Partners in a successful mandatory point of sale program. Hazardous Substances Material and Toxic The following papers were presented: Neighbourhood Mercury Exposure from crematoriums; Lead Poisoning Outbreak resulting from construction and renovation at an indoor Firing range; Smoke and Ash deconstructed Not just Particles. Healthy homes and Communities The following papers were presented: Hazard assessment in houses Multi-Agency approach in the closure of a Motel Fungal bio-burden in Foreclosed homes Public Health Challenges of Hoarding Pesticides usage and Pesticide Dust Concentration in residence of Asthmatic Children living in subsidised houses in Philadelphia. Land use design and Planning; Following papers were presented: Developing policy to address near Roadway Pollution health hazards; Annoyance and perception of noise in Rural and Urban areas of France. 11 Other sessions addressed by the World Congress were the following: Leadership Management Pathogens and Outbreaks Recreational Waters Technology and Environmental Health Vector Control and Zoonotic Diseases School Institutions Sustainability / Climate Change Water Quality CONCLUSION The World Congress ended with an awards ceremony for colleagues who contributed significantly in the National Environmental Health Association of America and the International Federation of Environmental Health. Mr Jerry Chaka received the highest honour to an individual who contributed significantly to environmental Health globally, the IFEH Eric Foskett Environmental Health Award. The Congress was an eye opener to environmental health practise mainly in the USA as compared to the African and South African way. Environmental Health is developing very fast and adapting, continuously to changes in the environment, being technology, industrial or climate patterns as well as education and training. By Mr Jerry Chaka Board Chairperson

13 ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS: 2010 TO 2015 TERM OF OFFICE The Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners set itself a five year Strategic Plan with the main aim and objectives of achieving the targets set in the Strategic plans within its term. The following are achievements of the Board during its term of office, in line with the following key strategic thrusts: Ensure registration of all practising Environmental Health Practitioners in terms of the health Professions Act, 1974 (Act 56 of 1974) as amended through monitoring compliance of professionals with legislative requirements to practise. The Board arranged meetings with employers of Environmental Health Practitioners to address, amongst others, the implications of practising without being registered with the HPCSA. Meetings were held with municipal managers and Heads of Departments of the City of Cape Town, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Jo burg. A meeting is set with Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality before end of June Environmental Health Practitioners were also addressed on the importance of ensuring that they are in good standing with the HPCSA in terms of registration as well as the need to report all those that are practising illegally. Letters were written to main employers of Environmental Health Practitioners in the country, asking them to ensure that all EHP s under their employ are registered with the HPCSA. This exercise resulted in a significant number of practising Environmental Health Practitioners heeding the call and sitting for Board examinations and renewing their registration with the HPCSA. EHP s who were readmitted onto the Environmental Health Practitioner s register during the 2010 to 2015 period were over 500. Facilitate well trained and competent Environmental Health Practitioners The Board, during its term, conducted audits at three Universities training Environmental Health Practitioners to ensure that these facilities comply with minimum requirements to offer appropriate training and education for Environmental Health Practitioners. The Board introduced a new qualification, a four year Bachelor s Degree in Environmental Health for the first time in the country as a professional degree for Environmental Health. This degree compares well with the following professional degrees in Environmental Health offered in other countries around the world: EHP s Stakeholder meeting held in Bloemfontein 12

14 - Bsc (Environmental Health) in the United Kingdom - Bsc (Hons) ( Environmental Health) offered by Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland - Bsc (Environmental and Occupational Health) offered by California University, USA - BTech (Environmental Health) offered by British Columbia, Canada The Board accredited Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Tshwane University of Technology to offer the professional bachelor s degree effective from January These Universities also registered their first year students in January The Board will continue with annual audits of these Universities until the first graduates for this new qualification are produced in Enhance CPD in Environmental Health by ensuring CPD implementation and promotion of research and development The Board, during its stakeholders meeting with Environmental Health Practitioners, over-emphasised the Registra/CEO of HPCSA, Dr Buyisa Mjamba, addressing EHP s at the Bloemfontein Stakeholders meeting. need to acquire Continuing Education Units (CEU s). To this effect, the simplest and most convenient form of acquiring CEU s was explained to practitioners as this was seen as a challenge to them to acquire CEU s. The Board also established Committees within Provinces comprising of Board members to facilitate approval of level 1 (one) CPD programmes. Through these engagements and new system, applications for CPD programmes increased significantly. The level of non-compliance also dropped. The Board encouraged Practitioners to do research so as to develop the profession of Environmental Health. The Board established a research fund to assist those that are prepared to do research in Environmental Health. Two applications are being processed by the Board for Doctoral studies in Environmental Health. Enhance the position of Environmental Health profession in the health care delivery system through interaction with stakeholders and through constant and effective communication with stakeholders Stakeholder meetings were held annually with practising Practitioners. The main aim and objectives of these meetings was to ensure visibility of the Board amongst Practitioners and address all concerns that Practitioners may have. The other objective was to keep Practitioners informed of Board matters and matters of the Health Professions Council of South Africa that affect their practise. Meetings were held in four Provinces of the country, in Kwazulu Natal, Eastern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga Province and the last meeting was held in the Free State Province in May Over 1150 Practitioners were reached through these stakeholder meetings. Practitioners showed a positive attitude and appreciation of being addressed by the full Board at these meetings. The Board was also able to deal with matters affecting Practitioners and forge a good relationship between the HPCSA and Practitioners. Other achievements of the Professional board for environmental health Practitioners Other achievements of the Board were: - Opening a register for Environmental Health Assistants where practising Environmental Health Assistants are registered under the grandfather clause. Environmental Health Assistants are now registered. - The Board developed a scope of practise for Environmental Health Assistants as an addendum to a Scope of the Profession for Environmental Health - A new register for Health Promoters is being developed and finalised under the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners. The Scope of Practise for Health Promoters is also being finalised. - The Board was able to communicate to Environmental Health Practitioners through the Environmental Health Practitioner s newsletter which was produced annually. This means of communications managed to bring the Professional Board closer to Practitioners as pertinent matters on developments within the profession and the HPCSA were communicated. - Negotiated for the introduction of a 40hrs Environmental Management Inspectors course for EHP s with the Department of Environmental affairs, in collaboration with the South African Institute of Environmental Health (SAIEH) and the Department of Health (DOH). The course is offered at Universities in the country through a memorandum of understanding with the respective University and the HPCSA, SAIEH and DOH. By Mr Jerry Chaka Board Chairperson 13

15 ANNUAL FEES REMINDER HAVE YOU PAID YOUR ANNUAL FEES FOR 2015? The HPCSA is an autonomous organisation and does not receive grants or subsidies from Government or any other institution. The HPCSA is funded entirely by income generated from registered practitioners. These include income generated from annual, registration and other fees payable by practitioners. The Council together with the twelve Professional Boards operating under its jurisdiction are committed to the promotion of the health of the South African population, determining standards of professional education and training as well as setting and maintaining of fair standards of professional practice. The annual fees are used to fund the administrative activities of the Board in terms of the conducting of meetings for the Board, Executive Committee, and Education Committee. Other fees payable to Council in terms of registration, Certified Extracts, Certificates of Status, etc were increased by 6 % as from 1 April Please note that we do not accept cash on our premises and retain receipts or evidence and submit with relevant documentation. For your convenience, you have three easy to choose from payment options: 1. Direct or Internet Banking. 2. Debit order - Kindly complete the debit order form and send back to us. 3. Credit card Please consult our website for more information and the Credit card authorisation form. Please use your seven digit registration number and correct Register (e.g. HI ) as the reference; Please note that payments into the HPCSA account will take 2-3 working days to reflect, if done electronically and 24 working hours if done by direct transfer; Please take note of the above, especially if you intend visiting our offices to register. BANKING DETAILS FEES Bank: ABSA Branch: Arcadia Branch Code: Account number: (Annual fees ONLY) Include your HPCSA registration number as reference KINDLY QUOTE YOUR HPCSA REGISTRATION NUMBER AS THE REFERENCE NUMBER TO ENSURE PAYMENT IS ALLOCATED TO YOUR NAME. 14

16 GENERAL INFORMATION For any information or assistance from the Council, please direct your enquiries to the Call Centre: Client Contact Centre Tel: /01 Fax: Working hours: Mondays - Fridays: 08:00-16:30 Weekends and public holidays: closed Where to find us: Physical address 553 Madiba Street Cnr Hamilton & Madiba Streets Arcadia, Pretoria Annual Fees, payments and reminders, general information and forms, registration of locally qualified practitioners Client Contact Centre Tel: Fax: info@hpcsa.co.za Certificate of Good Standing/ Status, certified extracts, verification of licensure Susan Ndwalane Tel: hpcsacgs@hpcsa.co.za Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Helena da Silva Tel: cpd@hpcsa.co.za Raylene Symons Tel: raylenes@hpcsa.co.za Change of contact details records@hpcsa.co.za Ethical queries, human rights, ethics and undesirable business practice: Sadicka Butt Tel: sadickab@hpcsa.co.za Compliments and Complaints Service Delivery servicedelivery@hpcsa.co.za Tel: Complaints against practitioners Legal Services Fax: legalmed@hpcsa.co.za Communication with the Board should be directed to: P.O. Box 205 Pretoria 0001 Board Manager: Tebogo Vundule Tel: tebogov@hpcsa.co.za Secretary: Modern Ramare Tel: modernr@hpcsa.co.za Acting Committee Coordinator Kagiso Mampye Tel: KagisoM@hpcsa.co.za Environmental Health News is a newsletter for practitioners registered with the Professional Board for Environmental Health Practitioners. It is produced by the Public Relations and Service Delivery department, HPCSA building, 2nd floor, 553 Madiba street, Arcadia, Pretoria. Practitioners are encouraged to forward their contributions to Priscilla Sekhonyana at PriscillaS@hpcsa.co.za Copyright and Disclaimer The copyright in the compilation of this newsletter, its name and logo is owned by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. You may not reproduce this newsletter, or its name or the logo of the Health Professions Council of South Africa that appears in this newsletter, in any form, or for commercial purposes or for purposes of advertising, publicity, promotion, or in any other manner implying their endorsement, sponsorship of, or affiliation with any product or service, without the Health Professions Council of South Africa s prior express written permission. All information in this newsletter is provided in good faith but is relied upon entirely at your own risk. 15