Kuruman:Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, along with Northern Cape Premier Dr. Zamani Saul and Northern Cape Health MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi, will lead an integrated community health screening programme in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the programme is part of the government's response to the ongoing public health issues related to the legacy of asbestos mining in Kuruman and its surrounding communities. The area has been affected by unrehabilitated asbestos dumps and contaminated environments, exposing residents to harmful asbestos fibres.
The initiative will offer affected community members access to respiratory and general health assessments, early detection services, health education, and referral pathways for further care. Additionally, the programme aims to enhance surveillance of asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural thickening, to identify previously undiagnosed cases and connect individuals to appropriate clinical management and compensation processes.
The national Department of Health emphasized its commitment to a coordinated response that integrates health screening, community education, and improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and compensation for affected workers and residents.