HEALTH DEPARTMENT FAMILY HEALTH DIRECTORATE . HEALTH DEPARTMENT FAMILY HEALTH DIRECTORATE

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE BACKGROUND: In 1978 , primary health care was formally recognized in the declaration of the Alma-Ata,as the key to achieve the world health organizations goal of “Health organization is goal “Health for all by the year 2000”(HFA). PHC was seen as the solution to the inadequate illness management systems that had developed throughout the world. It was hoped that PHC would address some of the major inequalities in health service observed both within and between countries by its balanced system of treatment and disease prevention. WHO envisaged that PHC would take place as close as possible to where people live and work and be the first the initial point of entry into the health care service.

DEFINITION OF PHC PRIMARY HEALTH CARE is an essential health care based on practical , scientifically sound, socially acceptable methods and technology made to be universally acceptable to individual and families in the community through their full participation and at the cost that the community can afford to maintain optimum health at every stage of their development in the spirit of self –reliance and self determination. (WHO,UNICEF 1978)

PHC AND TRADITIONAL HEALING According to the NHS traditional healing will become an integral part of health care in South Africa. Consumers will be allowed to choose whom to consult for their health care , and legislation will be developed to facilitate, control and the operations of traditional health practitioners. The legislation creates room for the establishment of the COUNCIL for the THPs

EMM TRADITIONAL HEALTHPRACTITIONERS. It is a Mayoral programme driven by the EMM health department. The EMM forum was launched By the former Executive Mayor Clr.Duma Nkosi in 2006. The regional fora were subsequently launched i.e. South, North and East. These structures are in place and they are active.

ACHIEVEMENTS Summit was held in September 2005. Workshops on the THP ACT and Constitution. Capacity building was held for two days for two days at St Georges Hotel. African Traditional medicine day was held on 12th September 2008. Three sites were identified for agricultural purposes in the three region , soil analysis also done. Partnership with SRAC Benoni Museum where they were a nursery. Pending agreement with Sun International. The first Municipality to have this relationship.

CHALLENGES Limited funding Different THPs organizations seeking funding. Bringing together all THPs regardless of their affiliation Failure to reach a common ground on certain aspects Adequate sustenance of partnerships already established. Alignment with the conventional medicinal practice and change of mind sets

WAYFORWARD Adequate planning Empowerment Recruitment strategy Implementing existing plans Respect, communication and mental strength.

Conclusion THANK YOU SIYABONGA RE A LEBOHA ISABELO SEDLHOZI