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SA's COVID-19 Epidemic: Trends and Next Steps

Type
Research Articles, Reports and Journals
With the use of statistical graphs, this document provides information in the form of outlines and comparisons of the Covid-19 virus' origins and how it spread exponentially all around the world. It details the number of cases at the compilation of the document and outlines the approaches that South Africa has implemented in the fight against the epidemic.

Risk-Based COVID-19 Healthcare Facility Ventilation Guidance

Type
Guides/Guidelines

This guide describes how to reduce the risk of far-field airborne transmission of COVID-19 through improved ventilation. The guide is based on the most current data and scientific guidance available at the time of writing (December 2021). This guide applies to all healthcare facilities and should be used by infection, prevention, and control (IPC) and facility managers.  Ventilation is a process by which a portion of outdoor air is supplied into and extracted from an indoor space for the purposes of diluting and removing indoor contaminants. 

Report Review on Antimicrobial Resistance 2016

Type
Reports
Following 19 months of consultation and eight interim papers, each focusing on a specific aspect of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this report sets out the Review on AntimicrobialResistance's final recommendations to tackle AMR in a global way, as commissioned by our sponsors, the UK Government and the Wellcome Trust.

Referral Policy for South African Health Services and Referral Implementation Guidelines

Type
Guides/Guidelines
The Referral Policy for South African Health Services, including the supporting Referral Implementation Guidelines, has been developed to address the gaps identified in processing and facilitating timely referral of patients within the healthcare delivery system. This policy strives to restore the dignity of the users of the South African healthcare system, without being punitive to users from impoverished and rural areas. This will serve as one more definitive step towards achieving the vision in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Reduction in the Isolation Period for Patient with Confirmed COVID-19 Infection

Type
Guides/Guidelines
The new recommended isolation period for patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection is reduced from 14 to 10 days. This recommendation is based on evidence that most patients with a mild COVID-19 infection continue to shed the virus from their upper airways for approximately 7-12 days. Furthermore, the presence of detectable virus when testing does not necessarily imply infectiousness. It has been proven that in mild cases, virus cultures are generally only positive for 8-9 days after symptom onset. The duration of infectiousness in patients with severe disease (i.e.

Recommendations on the Management of Antiretrovirals in 2021

Type
Health Circulars

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted South Africa's health systems and product supply in 2020. Firstline treatment regimens of TEE (tenofovir/ emtricitabine/ efavirenz) and TLD (tenofovir/ lamivudine /dolutegravir) were particularly impacted. Through careful management of suppliers and active stock monitoring under the Affordable Medicine Directorate (AMD) leadership, there are no further supply constraints anticipated in the short to mid-term. The table below highlights healthy stock and pipeline levels, especially for TLD.

Recommendations for the Rational Use of Abacavir (ABC) 600mg/Lamivudine (3TC) 300mg and Zidovudine (AZT) 300mg/3TC 150mg Dual Formulation

Type
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
The contracted supplier of Abacavir (ABC) 600mg/Lamivudine (3TC} 300mg and Zidovudine (AZT) 300mg/3TC 150mg dual formulation tablets is unable to meet its contractual obligation due to an ongoing global shortage of 3TC, which has resulted in supply challenges. The contracted supplier is acquiring limited supplies of these agents using alternative methods. However, due to the current supply constraints, rational use of these medicines and appropriate monitoring is recommended by all provinces and health care facilities until the supply is fully restored.

Recommendation for the use of Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Severe COVID-19

Type
Guides/Guidelines
On 19 June 2020, the National Department of Health released a statement titled, Follow up statement on Dexamethasone by the Minister of Health. The statement summarised the outcomes of the Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 therapy (RECOVER) Trial, which reported benefit from the use of Dexamethasone in the patients with severe COVID-19. Based on the available results of the RECOVERY Trial, Dexamethasone is recommended in COVID-19 patients who require respiratory support only (i.e. those requiring ventilation or other forms of oxygen therapy).
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COVID-19 training and resources for health care workers

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Switching Stable 1st and 2nd Line ART Clients to DTG Containing Regimen

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