Ear infections ‘most common in schools’
According to Phelophepha clinical nursing practitioner Phiwokuhle Mhlongo, who has been visiting local schools, ear infections were the most prevalent health ailments experienced by primary school pupils in the province. Mhlongo said this during a visit to Unathi Mkefa Primary School in Ezibeleni on Friday.
“The Phelophepha health care, eye, and dental clinic services have been visiting primary schools because many health problems ought to be prevented from early childhood.”
She said eight schools were visited during the period that the train had spent in town.
“Our concern is that most ear infections lead the children to experience loss of hearing at a later stage if they are not dealt with sooner. This usually starts from a lack of cleaning and hygiene at home. Our role is to treat the pupils while teaching them how to take proper care of their ears.”
Other common ailments among pupils were skin and breathing conditions, Mhlongo said.
Mhlongo said regular check-ups were very important as good health among children began from immunisation level to prevent certain conditions which could lead to disability.
She said the health programme only targeted needy schools and that they had also been visiting old age homes and disability care centres.
“Our tour has been a great success. We were fortunate to get assistance from some schools who had identified pupils who experienced health problems, which made our work easier.”
Mhlongo said their next targeted area was Mthatha, followed by Idutywa and East London.