GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT
NO 10: 2014
- 1.The Outbreak of Diarrhoea in Swaziland
Swaziland is currently experiencing an outbreak of diarrhoea. Cases of diarrhoea are being reported from all the four regions.
I would like, firstly, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends and relatives with regard to the deaths that have occurred from this diarrhoea outbreak. Secondly, I take this opportunity to assure the Nation that Government is doing all in its power to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths.
As soon as the first cases of the outbreak were reported, the Ministry of Health mobilised the Epidemic Task Force to respond to the situation. The Task Force duly visited all regional hospitals and health centers to collect patient information to carry out the first stage of the response - to establish the precise cause as well as the extent of the problem.
The analysis informed the Task Force that the majority of those suffering from diarrhoea have been children under two years of age. The main symptoms exhibited were the sudden onset of diarrhoea and vomiting, combined with a fever.
To date, a total of 3,042 cases of diarrhea have been reported in respect of the four regions. Most of these were successfully dealt with at outpatient stage, while 511 were admitted as inpatients. The majority of the latter were successfully treated and discharged. Sadly, 36 of those children died while undergoing treatment.
Laboratory investigations have proceeded in the meantime and it has been confirmed that the Rota virus is the cause of this diarrhoea outbreak.
I would also like to assure the public that all treatment requirements for the management of diarrhoea have been distributed to all health facilities. Health workers have been refreshed on case management and treatment guidelines. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is conducting an analysis of the water drawn from different water sources across the country.
The Government, in its vaccination programme, already has plans to introduce the Rota virus vaccine in the country. In response to this unforeseen outbreak, Government will now accelerate introduction of the vaccine. World Health Organisation experts are arriving this week, to provide advice on the accelerated programme.
The Rota virus is commonly transmitted through poor hygienic practices. Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to re-emphasize the prevention messages that have been issued to date.
We urge the public to practise thorough hand washing with soap and safe running water after using the toilet, after changing nappies, and before preparing and consuming food. We encourage the public to observe good sanitation practices, as well as drinking only water that is known to be safe, or water that is boiled before use. The public is also urged to wash with clean water all fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw, and to handle and store food properly. Those are the main prevention measures.
Immediately that a child is seen to be suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, the parents, guardians or caretakers of that child must take the child to a health clinic, health centre or hospital.
When diarrhoea occurs at home, and whilst preparing to go to a health facility, a Sugar and Salt Solution should be given. This will help to prevent the most dangerous threat to the child which is dehydration, that is - the losing of water from the body. Simple, but important details of this Sugar and Salt Solution measure is currently being broadcast on the radio, and can be heard every hour into the foreseeable future.
We also urge the parents to continue feeding (or increase breastfeeding) during diarrhoea episodes and to increase feeding thereafter.
2. Property Rights of Spouses.
Section 34(1) of the country’s Constitution provides, and I quote: “A surviving spouse is entitled to a reasonable provision out of the estate of the other spouse, whether the other spouse died having made a valid will or not, and whether the spouses were married by civil or customary rites.”
Section 34 (2) provides, and I quote: “Parliament shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Constitution, enact legislation regulating the property rights of spouses including common-law husband and wife.”
At its weekly meeting on Tuesday, 29th July 2014, Cabinet reviewed the policy statement, made last week by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, on the distribution of deceased spouses estate and resolved that the policy statement be withdrawn forthwith. Cabinet also resolved that the affected estates should continue to be regulated by the current law, pending the enactment by Parliament of suitable legislation as required by Section 34(2) of the Constitution.
Dr Barnabas S. S. Dlamini 30 July 2014
PRIME MINISTER