Tekano Fellows participated in this year’s Public Health Association of South Africa, focusing on several issues including National Health Insurance, rural health, climate change, oral health, and HIV/AIDS. Azeeza Rangunwala and Tshepo Mokhadi, who are Tekano Fellows,led the session titled “The Role of Healthcare in a Climate Crisis: Local Case Studies and Global Issues.” The discussion called for a more coordinated approach to health and climate change, highlighting that healthcare systems must be prepared to respond to the challenges of a warming world.
Dr. Harsha Somaroo, another Tekano Fellow, facilitated a discussion on “The Transition to NHI in South Africa: Key Lessons from CUPs Proof-of-Concept Sites.” Panellists shared insights from the community-based Universal Health Coverage proof-of-concept sites. Our fellow Dr. James Van Duuren reacted by saying, “An interesting takeaway from the session was the discussion of how NHI is not a flip-a-switch moment; it is a gradual progressive realisation of some dynamic improvements in the health system that are going to be based strongly on district-level management and on digital health improvements to enable NHI to even be considered in an area.” Another fellow, Leoni Wainwright, added that she hopes “that as the NHI continues to roll out within its phases, indigenous health and well-being becomes a key focus area, especially within South Africa, as we have a wide array of health service providers, and it is important to provide holistic health services.” Tekano’s board chairperson, Prof. Tracey Naledi, also chaired a plenary session titled South Africa’s National Health Insurance Act and the path to Universal Health Coverage.
Strengthening Primary Health Care in Rural Ntabankulu
Our fellows Zimbini Madikiza and Judiac Ranape, together with community leaders Vuyokazi Ngceba and Siphokazi Mdolo, led the session “Uniting Voices for Health Equity: A Collaborative Initiative to Strengthen Community-Oriented Primary Health Care in Rural Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape.” The session highlighted the power of collaboration between various stakeholders, including community members, faith-based leaders, traditional leaders, government, and politicians in fostering health equity.
Oral Health as an Integral Part of Health Systems
Oral health was a key focus during the session “Thirty Years of Oral Health in the New South Africa: A Reflection.” Our fellow Dr. Bulela Vava emphasized that oral health is not just a niche issue, but an essential component of overall health equity. “Oral health is not a priority until it is; we are outside until we are in,” he remarked, urging for the systemic inclusion of oral health within broader health agendas.
Faith-Based Organisations and their Role in HIV Prevention and Treatment
Lastly, our fellow Aldridge Munyoro presented his research titled “The Rise of Holy Clinics: Mapping Strategic Relationships with Faith-Based Organisations for HIV Prevention and Treatment.” This session explored the dual role that faith-based organisations can play in the HIV/AIDS response. On one hand, faith-based organisations can be powerful allies in shaping the attitudes of their members toward HIV prevention and treatment. However, the study also revealed that these organisations can sometimes act as barriers to effective HIV treatment when religious beliefs conflict with medical practices.
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