Latest news with #ClosetheGap
7NEWS
12-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Government sidesteps mandatory employment rules designed to Close the Gap in two thirds contracts, audit finds
An audit of rules designed to Close the Gap for First Nations peoples has revealed poor compliance by government bodies. Indigenous employment requirements were sidestepped in two-thirds of the contracts issued by Commonwealth entities, including the Departments of Defence, Education, Workplace Relations, Infrastructure and Home Affairs, the audit report said. The mandatory minimum requirements (MMRs) are targets to ensure that at least three per cent of the workforce is made up of First Nations peoples. Government contracts over $7.5 million are also subject to these targets, which can alternatively be met through the engagement of Indigenous-owned businesses as suppliers. Tenderers are required to specify how they plan to achieve the MMRs. The targets were introduced to ensure First Nations peoples benefit from some of the larger projects outsourced by the Commonwealth, including those in remote areas. But since MMRs were made binding for contractors in 2016, 63 per cent of all recorded contracts have been exempted. The 1,475 exempted contracts are worth a total of nearly $70 billion. Of those exemptions, 34 per cent — valued at more than $30 billion — were filed with no explanation, with reporting officials simply ticking the 'other' category on the exemption form. The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), which is responsible for implementing the MMRs, said these requirements are just one component of the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP), established in 2015. The NIAA told the audit office that contracts were exempted under the 'other' category because entities 'are in practice non-compliant with the Indigenous Procurement Policy'. 'Entities' use of the 'other' exemption category for non-compliant contracts obscures the degree of noncompliance with the MMRs and is not appropriate,' the report said. 'The NIAA does not provide complete guidance on the use of exemptions or assurance over the legitimacy of exemptions. The NIAA has not considered the strategic implications of exemption usage for the achievement of policy objectives.' This comes almost five years after a 2020 Auditor-General report found that the administration of well-designed MMRs 'had been undermined by ineffective implementation and monitoring by the policy owner and insufficient compliance by the selected entities.' Of the recommendations handed down after the 2020 audit, the latest report found that entities had only 'partly implemented' them. 'Systems have been set up to allow potentially invalid exemptions. There is a lack of guidance and assurance over the appropriate use of exemptions.' The latest audit also found that the NIAA has not been able to demonstrate that MMRs are improving Indigenous economic participation. However, the NIAA said that prior to the introduction of the policy, Indigenous businesses secured limited contracts through Commonwealth procurement. The policy has since significantly increased purchasing from Indigenous businesses. All entities contacted by the audit office, including the NIAA, responded by welcoming the audit findings and committed to strengthening the procurement and reporting processes required to meet the compulsory targets. The NIAA has pledged to continue supporting entities that are struggling to comply with the targets, but added: 'As with all other elements of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, it is the responsibility of each Commonwealth entity to meet the obligations of the IPP.'
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hospital opens HIV clinic for high-risk patients
Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. ALSO READ: Tilly Brouwer retires after 21 years at St Francis 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. ALSO READ: ARVs are assisting millions of HIV patients to live long and healthy lives At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Tambo Memorial Hospital opens HIV clinic for high-risk patients
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO CHECK: OPVOLG: Ekurhuleni pomp riool besoedelde swembad in Elliotstraat leeg 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. ALSO CHECK: Want coverage for your local sports event? Contact the Brakpan Herald At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Tambo Memorial Hospital launches specialised HIV clinic to Boost treatment success
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. ALSO READ: Give Us Wings launches blanket drive to help vulnerable people 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. ALSO READ: Residents tackle overgrown grass at Protea Park amid safety concerns 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Local hospital tackles HIV treatment gaps with new virological failure clinic
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. ALSO READ: Modderfontein hospital makes weight-loss surgery breakthrough 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. ALSO READ: Steps taken to improve services at Ekurhuleni hospitals Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. ALSO READ: Edenvale Regional Hospital shares plans for the year ahead 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
