Pretoria – Cabinet has welcomed the results of a national health survey, which shows a 20% drop in infant mortality and 11% drop in the number of women and men who smoke tobacco.
Cabinet on Thursday said the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey measured the health status of South Africans and the reach and quality of health programmes. The survey is released by Statistics South Africa.
“The results demonstrate that the policy interventions that were put in place by President Jacob Zuma’s administration are yielding positive results,” Cabinet said in statement after its regular meeting.
Cabinet, however, expressed concern about the number of South Africans who still continues to engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners.
According to the report, some 32% and 42% of women and men respectively indicated that they have never been tested for HIV, despite government efforts to raise awareness on HIV testing.
Cabinet called on all South Africans to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being, practice safe sex and get tested regularly for HIV and all communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Vaccinate against childhood diseases
Cabinet also called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children are vaccinated against childhood diseases.
“Cabinet remains committed to ensuring children are immunised to eliminate life threatening infectious diseases. Cabinet reassures parents and guardians that the drugs administered by the Department of Health are safe,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za
