Project Launch to Prevent Diarrhoeal Disease in Children

Place: Wallacedene
Time: 14h30
Date: 16 February 2005.
Note: Radio stations wanting a soundbite can call Min Uys on 082 4555 144

Western Cape Health Minister, Pierre Uys, launches a special project to help prevent deaths from dehydration in children with diarrhoeal disease at the Wallacedene Community Centre tomorrow.

Diarrhoeal disease claims the lives of dozens of children every year in the Western Cape. At the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital alone 183 children have already died from diarrhoeal disease over the last four years.

The special project launch is a joint venture between the Department of Health and Nampak Liquid, South Africa's largest and most diversified supplier of liquid packaging solutions. It comprises the distribution of 20 000 one litre plastic bottles, donated by Nampak Liquid, to promote the use of a simple and effective 'home mixture' to re-hydrate babies and children.