UKZN’s virus war room
THE University of KwaZulu-Natal is to launch a groundbreaking campus health “war room” in a bid to lend a hand in international efforts of fighting the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
To bolster efforts, the university has created the email address covid19@ ukzn.ac.za to which staff and students can address enquiries. The university is in the process of creating a hotline which will aid in communicating with its stakeholders about the virus.
“The threat of coronavirus is compelling motivation why we need to constantly be alert and put in place proactive and pro-response mechanisms to combat diseases and illnesses,” said Professor Nana Poku, UKZN vice-chancellor and principal.
“The rampant CovidD-19 pandemic has spread to six continents and there are no signs that it is being brought under control. Starting on Tuesday, the College of Health Sciences, headed by deputy vice-chancellor Professor Busisiwe Ncama, is instituting largescale high-level surveillance, prevention and response measures to make sure that we are ready for when Covid19 is detected in our vicinity.
“The plan offers a co-ordinated, cohesive strategy for preparedness and will require every one to get involved.
“We believe prevention is better than cure. Given the high concentration of people on our campuses, prevention and protection against the spread of disease is critical,” he added.
The project will be led by Professor Mosa Moshabela, the dean and head of school for nursing and public health. Moshabela will lead a team of experts comprising public health medicine registrar Dr Velile Ngidi, infectious disease specialist Dr Richard Lessells; public health medicine specialist Dr Saajida Mahomed, clinical virologist Dr Lilishia Gounder, head of virology Dr Nokukhanya Msomi and head of public health medicine Dr Saloshni Naidoo.
Members of occupational health and campus health services Muzi Mthembu, Gugulethu Mdunge, Jane Taylor, Nozipho Jali, and Jabu Hlophe will form part of the team to ensure institutional readiness for Covid-19.
“The university is committed to putting in place measures to strengthen campus health services before our campus is hit by the virus,” said Poku.
The team heading the project will also co-opt experts and volunteers from colleges, schools, disciplines, travel, and other university structures and student communities to assist. | Normah Zondo, acting executive director: corporate relations