Socio-Economic Report - Department of Agriculture and ...

UDM ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Gedleza Clinic Madonela Cinic Mhlekazi Clinic Ophansi Clinic.
Jozini Clinic Makhathini Clinic Mkuze Clinic Bethesda Gateway Clinic
HEALTH STATUS
The UDM SDF mentions that minimal/lack of water and electricity limits the level and
quality of health care in the area. Additional constraints affecting quality healthcare is
the shortage of doctors in the region (Isikhungusethu Environmental Services (Pty)
Ltd, 2008).
HIV/AIDS is estimated to be the highest in uMkhanyakude from all KwaZulu-Natal
districts. No exact figures could be provided on a local or district level, which is
already a cause of concern. Associated with HIV/AIDs is the high number of
tuberculosis patients. The high prevalence rate not only decreases life expectancy, it
has significant impacts on the productivity of the population. The impact of HIV/AIDS
in UDM is aggravated by the high level of poverty in the area, making it difficult for
people to escape the poverty trap (Isikhungusethu Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd,
2008).
According to Quantec Research Data for 2007, there are 93 968 persons living with
HIV. Also, the number of AIDs deaths in uMkhanyakude were 7 244 persons and all
other deaths amounted to 5 124 (Quantec Research (Pty) Ltd, 2012). This reflects
the importance of addressing the HIV/AIDS problem.
Malnutrition, especially among children is reported to be high in uMkhanyakude DM.
Malnourished children are more susceptible to infectious disease and low education
leading to reduce life expectancy and low levels of productivity. Where malnutrition
exist on such a scale, it is clear that there is a need for intervention, either public or
private, to stimulate sustainable economic growth that will allow the community to
uplift itself to a high standard of living, where basic needs are met.
A report on uMkhanyakude DM by the Business Trust and Department of Provincial
and Local Government (2007) mention the presence of environment health issues in
the district. The lack of waste management and cemetery /crematorium facilities
contribute to the existence of water-borne diseases (e.g. cholera) in the area
(Business Trust, 2007).
The figure below is a map taken from the Provincial Economic Development Strategy
for KwaZulu-Natal Province. The left map shows the incidence of children under five
years not gaining weight and on the right is a map of malnutrition incidence.
Socio-Economic Assessment Page 30