ISDS Sites: Chris Hani District Municipality

The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM consists of 6 local municipalities and is one of the biggest district municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The health sub-districts are as follows: Engcobo, Sakhisizwe, Emalahleni, Intsika Yethu, Lukhanji and Inxuba Yethemba.

The Chris Hani district is considered a rural district since 95% of the total population is rural or semi-rural. The total population of Chris Hani District Municipality is about 822 891. Despite what looks like a prosperous district from a socio-economic point of view, wealth is not equitably distributed the overall unemployment rate is about 22% and 43 % of the population lives under the poverty line. It is relevant to mention that although the male population surpasses the female one, the majority of households are run by women (Household survey, 2001).

Relatively high proportions of households (16-66%) do not have access to sanitation. According to the demarcation board there is a relatively high usage of the bucket system, which is below RDP standards in areas where there is limited access to running water.

The district has 110 fixed clinics (local and provincial authorities), 20 health centres, 9 mobile clinics and 9 district hospitals. Human resources are scarce and capacity is poor. The combination of unequal distribution of material and human resources with poor health systems results in poor health outcomes for the population of the district, with low EPI coverage and TB cure rate, amongst others.

The implementation of the District Health System is in the process of becoming a reality in the Chris Hani Health District Municipality. Although fragmentation still prevails, there is willingness from all stakeholders to develop a strong and self-reliant district with empowered health workers and communities.

ISDS provides the following support

• establishing a district management team and a District Health Expenditure review,
• supporting TB management
• improving quality of care in the treatment of STIs
• providing support with functional integration and assisting with development of a district health plan.
  

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