By: Lunga Memela (Communication Engagement Lead)
There is increased dialogue, hope and a positive outlook on adherence to chronic medication amongst KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) residents, thanks to the successful launch of the Health Systems Trust's (HST) 2021 Get Checked. Go Collect radio campaign promoting the Department of Health's National Health Insurance initiative, CCMDD (Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution) / Dablapmeds.
A sequel to previous CCMDD radio campaigns, this year's 10-week campaign kick-started with a live radio interview on the popular Gagasi FM evening show, Indaba with Alex Mthiyane, who interviewed HST's Roving Pharmacist and Radio Champion, Charity Mchunu, recapping on 'what is CCMDD and who qualifies for this free service'?
Topics have included important information about Pelebox smart lockers and CCMDD pick-up-points which include local pharmacies, and shops like Dis-Chem, Clicks, Sparkport, and Pick 'n Pay. The best part is that the shows span across KZN's regional and community radio stations – Gagasi, Imbokodo, Inanda, Izwi LoMzansi and Vibe FM – enabling wide reach and proactive engagement about CCMDD, especially the time of COVID-19.
HST explains that CCMDD is even more useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when it is important to avoid long queues and crowded places to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. By registering for this service, stable patients on chronic medication can avoid busy government clinics and collect medication at over 200 collection points in eThekwini.
Promoting adherence will remain an ongoing endeavour. Further radio topics are scheduled to cover CCMDD and COVID-19, debunking COVID-19 and vaccine myths, adherence and the benefits thereof, healthy living, as well as mental wellness as a chronic condition.
It is common knowledge that millions of South Africans have chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or HIV. HST affirms that best way to manage a chronic condition is by staying on your prescribed medication and that patients who are stable on their medication can register for CCMDD.
HST's KZN CCMDD Provincial Co-ordinator, Roma Ramphal confirmed that the organisation's radio champions are not only knowledgeable and passionate about promoting adherence to chronic medication, but also that they strongly believe that CCMDD/Dablapmeds can effectively prolong life and livelihoods, ease the disease burden within the local communities and curb the spread of COVID-19. Kudos to our radio campaign champions: Charity Mcunu, Nolwazi Mpithi, Noni Sithole and Thulisile Bekwa together with HST health experts: Drs Nkosingiphile Gama, Tinyiko Khosa and Mbalenhle Nxele.
Don't forget to visit and Like the Get Checked. Go Collect. Facebook page.