FOSA - Friends of the Sick Association
Tuberculosis and Diabetes
About
•FOSA was launched in 1941, working within communities, visiting the sick, encouraging and aiding families in whatever way possible, in order to assist TB patients to complete their treatment. This included food parcels to needy families, residential help, help with scholars,
and much more.
FOSA has always been involved in community work, helping the TB patients and their families survive the long period of TB treatment. It takes a minimum of 6 months to cure a TB patient
and much longer to cure MDR and XDR. Without assistance and support many families would be devastated, especially if the one with TB was the sole income generator.
•FOSA also runs a DIABETES Awareness program with 3 teams in the Durban area.
One in the central and West Durban area which is run by Sister Sindy.
One in the North of Durban which is run by Sister Feroza.
The Executive Committee, who continue to dedicate themselves in this way, are under the amazing leadership of Brother Ajen Rooplall, who is the current Chairman of FOSA, and who, together with Brother Gonny Pillay, the Vice Chairman, and the whole Committee, are dedicated to the work which has been ongoing for more than 80 years now.
They are to be commended for the extent of their care and relief of those less fortunate than themselves.
The Admin Officer is Brother Matthew Subben, who does a superb job of keeping tabs on all the work FOSA is doing, and also assisting with the provisions required and many other tasks that are given him.
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and much more.
FOSA has always been involved in community work, helping the TB patients and their families survive the long period of TB treatment. It takes a minimum of 6 months to cure a TB patient
and much longer to cure MDR and XDR. Without assistance and support many families would be devastated, especially if the one with TB was the sole income generator.
•FOSA also runs a DIABETES Awareness program with 3 teams in the Durban area.
One in the central and West Durban area which is run by Sister Sindy.
One in the North of Durban which is run by Sister Feroza.
The Executive Committee, who continue to dedicate themselves in this way, are under the amazing leadership of Brother Ajen Rooplall, who is the current Chairman of FOSA, and who, together with Brother Gonny Pillay, the Vice Chairman, and the whole Committee, are dedicated to the work which has been ongoing for more than 80 years now.
They are to be commended for the extent of their care and relief of those less fortunate than themselves.
The Admin Officer is Brother Matthew Subben, who does a superb job of keeping tabs on all the work FOSA is doing, and also assisting with the provisions required and many other tasks that are given him.
Edit your About page from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.
Contact
- Fosa Road, Newlands West, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
+27-071 449 6826 - Matthew Fosa Administrator- +27-031 577 0605 - FOSA Office
- +27-071 760 5895 - Mike Website Administrator
- +27-083 779 9108 - Meena Rooplal FOSA Administrator
- +91-93527 46509 - Moiz Website Administrator
- fosa1@telkomsa.net
- 09h00-14h00
email Matthew at fosa1@telkomsa.net
F.A.Q. about TB
What is TB or Tuberculosis?
•TB is an infectious disease, officially Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, that is spread through droplet infection by breathing infected air into the lungs.
•It can affect other organs as well eg brain, kidneys, lymph glands, spleen, bones etc.,
•Most people are able to fight this infection but in some it develops into TB disease.
•TB, first infection, is curable if all treatment is taken for at least 6 months.
•It can affect other organs as well eg brain, kidneys, lymph glands, spleen, bones etc.,
•Most people are able to fight this infection but in some it develops into TB disease.
•TB, first infection, is curable if all treatment is taken for at least 6 months.
Who is at risk?
•Everybody that is alive and therefore breathing.
•Close contacts of TB patients
•People with addictions – alcohol or drugs
•Diabetics and cancer patients
•Smokers
•People with poor immune systems such as those with HIV, or more recently, Covid.
•Close contacts of TB patients
•People with addictions – alcohol or drugs
•Diabetics and cancer patients
•Smokers
•People with poor immune systems such as those with HIV, or more recently, Covid.
Symptoms of TB
•Coughing – persistent for more than 2 weeks
•Loss of appetite, loss of weight
•Chest pains – sharp or dull on and off
•Night sweats even when it is cold
•Fever – High fever on and off
•Fatigue – tiredness or weakness of the body
Breathlessness
•Loss of appetite, loss of weight
•Chest pains – sharp or dull on and off
•Night sweats even when it is cold
•Fever – High fever on and off
•Fatigue – tiredness or weakness of the body
Breathlessness
Diagnosis of TB Lung Disease?
•Sputum test – first at a clinic and 2nd first thing in the morning, before eating or brushing teeth or having any liquids.
•This 2nd specimen must be taken to the clinic for testing.
•X-Rays done at a clinic or hospital may show the results of TB but cannot accurately determine if the TB is still active.
•Children can have a skin test done by a nurse or doctor
•If a person has been diagnosed as positive for TB, all children under 5 who have been in close contact with that person should be examined and if necessary treated.
•Other forms of TB are more difficult to diagnose.
•This 2nd specimen must be taken to the clinic for testing.
•X-Rays done at a clinic or hospital may show the results of TB but cannot accurately determine if the TB is still active.
•Children can have a skin test done by a nurse or doctor
•If a person has been diagnosed as positive for TB, all children under 5 who have been in close contact with that person should be examined and if necessary treated.
•Other forms of TB are more difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of TB
•First time TB patients are treated with a 4 drug combination for 2 months – the Intensive phase, followed by 4 months of a 2 drug combination – the Continuation phase.
•The amount of tablets depend on the body weight of the infected person.
There can be side effects from taking TB medication, please report these to the clinic or to your doctor.
•The amount of tablets depend on the body weight of the infected person.
There can be side effects from taking TB medication, please report these to the clinic or to your doctor.
TB Drugs
•Rifampicin (R)
•Isoniazid (H) INH
•Pyrazinamide (Z) PZA
•Ethambutol (E)
•Streptomycin (S)
•Rifafour a combination of 4 of the above
•Myrin Plus
•Refinah
•Isoniazid (H) INH
•Pyrazinamide (Z) PZA
•Ethambutol (E)
•Streptomycin (S)
•Rifafour a combination of 4 of the above
•Myrin Plus
•Refinah
TB Disease can be prevented IF?
•We cure all those who have TB disease.
•Cover our mouth when coughing or sneezing.
•Avoid careless spitting.
•Wash hands regularly.
•Spend time outdoors.
•Air mattresses and pillows and blankets in the sun.
•Open windows at home and where possible at work.
•Avoid alcohol and smoking.
•Cover our mouth when coughing or sneezing.
•Avoid careless spitting.
•Wash hands regularly.
•Spend time outdoors.
•Air mattresses and pillows and blankets in the sun.
•Open windows at home and where possible at work.
•Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Why the Cross of Lorraine?
The Lorraine-cross is a double-barred cross. Originally both of the arms had the same length. Later the upper arm has been reduced to a shorter length. This may be taken as the wooded sign placed by Pilatus over the head of Jesus on the cross, showing the letters "INRI".
This cross is called the true cross (crux vera).
A double-barred cross of this kind was said to be used in the year 800AD by Christian sects in the Orient.
Godefroy de Boullion, Duke of Lorraine, flew this cross in his standard when he took part in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 during the first crusade.
Later this kind of cross was attributed to him and his successors.
In recent times the Lorraine cross was used by General de Gaulle as a symbol of freedom in the French resistance during the 2nd World War.
On October 23rd 1902, at a conference in Berlin, Germany,the Lorraine cross was chosen as the symbol of the global
fight against tuberculosis.
When Dr. Gilbert Seciron, submitted his proposal, he said "The red double-barred cross being a symbol of peace and
brotherly understanding will bring our message to faraway places. Use it every day as a sign of your combat against
tuberculosis and your mission will be successful defeating this uninvited guest that decimates our rows, and thus
drying the tears of the suffering mankind."
Today the Lorraine cross is the symbol of the global fight against tuberculosis and lung diseases.
This cross is called the true cross (crux vera).
A double-barred cross of this kind was said to be used in the year 800AD by Christian sects in the Orient.
Godefroy de Boullion, Duke of Lorraine, flew this cross in his standard when he took part in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 during the first crusade.
Later this kind of cross was attributed to him and his successors.
In recent times the Lorraine cross was used by General de Gaulle as a symbol of freedom in the French resistance during the 2nd World War.
On October 23rd 1902, at a conference in Berlin, Germany,the Lorraine cross was chosen as the symbol of the global
fight against tuberculosis.
When Dr. Gilbert Seciron, submitted his proposal, he said "The red double-barred cross being a symbol of peace and
brotherly understanding will bring our message to faraway places. Use it every day as a sign of your combat against
tuberculosis and your mission will be successful defeating this uninvited guest that decimates our rows, and thus
drying the tears of the suffering mankind."
Today the Lorraine cross is the symbol of the global fight against tuberculosis and lung diseases.
What is the state of TB in SA, KZN and Ethekwini
Utilising info obtained from
tbfacts.org
WHO/
StatisticsSA.gov.za/publications/P0302/P03022019.pdf
Mercury Newspaper
Here is a brief summary of TB
In 2015-2019 in SA an estimated
360 000 people became ill with TB
58 000 died
In addition 14 000 cases were MDR or XDR TB
Estimated TB prevalence in SA is
737 per 100 000 people
The Estimated latent TB in SA is 80 % of SA population or 47,020,017.6
2019 SA total population 58,775,022 estimated TB = 433172 TB cases
2019 Kzn population 11,289,086 estimated TB = 83199 TB cases
2021 Ethekwini Population 3,176,000
estimated TB = 23407 TB cases
Between 2019 – 2021 48% less TB testing has taken place due to the Covid pandemic
Worldwide TB has gone back from 2019 to the state we were at in 2005
In 2021, in the Mercury Newspaper,
the Health MEC Nomagugu
Simelane-Zulu announced that
“KZN was the new epicentre of SA’s TB epidemic.
tbfacts.org
WHO/
StatisticsSA.gov.za/publications/P0302/P03022019.pdf
Mercury Newspaper
Here is a brief summary of TB
In 2015-2019 in SA an estimated
360 000 people became ill with TB
58 000 died
In addition 14 000 cases were MDR or XDR TB
Estimated TB prevalence in SA is
737 per 100 000 people
The Estimated latent TB in SA is 80 % of SA population or 47,020,017.6
2019 SA total population 58,775,022 estimated TB = 433172 TB cases
2019 Kzn population 11,289,086 estimated TB = 83199 TB cases
2021 Ethekwini Population 3,176,000
estimated TB = 23407 TB cases
Between 2019 – 2021 48% less TB testing has taken place due to the Covid pandemic
Worldwide TB has gone back from 2019 to the state we were at in 2005
In 2021, in the Mercury Newspaper,
the Health MEC Nomagugu
Simelane-Zulu announced that
“KZN was the new epicentre of SA’s TB epidemic.
F.A.Q. Diabetes
DIABETES - FACTS and Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is DIABETES?
Type 1 – children and young adults
Type 2 – usually middle to old age adults
Type 3 - Gestational – pregnancy
3. Is there a cure?
Diabetes is incurable BUT controllable
4. Who is at risk?
Those who have:
7. What are the dangers of uncontrolled DIABETES?
8. How can DIABETES be treated or managed?
9. Additional Information:
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1. What is DIABETES?
- Diabetes Mellitus – sweet urine – is a condition in which the body cannot produce insulin or use it properly, and is characterised by high blood glucose levels.
- Glucose = sugar
Type 1 – children and young adults
Type 2 – usually middle to old age adults
Type 3 - Gestational – pregnancy
3. Is there a cure?
Diabetes is incurable BUT controllable
4. Who is at risk?
Those who have:
- Family history/genetics
- Obesity/overweight
- Inactivity/lack of exercise
- Junk food/poor diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Giving birth to a very big baby
- Race group – Indian, African, Coloured, White
- People over 40
- High blood pressure
- Frequent urination/bed wetting
- Always thirsty/dehydration
- Dizziness
- Always feel tired/sleepy?
- Have trouble with your eyes/blurry vision
- Have itchy dry skin
- Have sores that are not getting better
- Weight loss
7. What are the dangers of uncontrolled DIABETES?
8. How can DIABETES be treated or managed?
- Testing of blood glucose level often 4-6 is normal
- 1. Hyperglycaemia: very high sugar levels. ANYTHING above 11.1.
- 2. Hypoglycaemia: very low sugar levels. ANYTHING below 3
9. Additional Information:
- November 14: World Diabetes Day
- It was on this day, Frederick Banting working with Charles Best, discovered Insulin in 1922.
- The International Logo for Diabetes is the Blue Ring.
- The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. Until 2006, there was no global symbol for diabetes. The purpose of the symbol is to give diabetes a common identity. It aims to:
- Support all existing efforts to raise awareness about diabetes
- Inspire new activities, bring diabetes to the attention of the general public
- Brand diabetes
- Provide a means to show support for the fight against diabetes
- What is the history of the blue circle?
- The icon was originally developed for the campaign that resulted in the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225 “World Diabetes Day.” The campaign for a United Nations Resolution on diabetes was a response to the diabetes pandemic that is set to overwhelm healthcare resources everywhere. The campaign mobilized diabetes stakeholders behind the common cause of securing a United Nations Resolution on diabetes. The United Nations passed Resolution 61/225 ‘World Diabetes Day’ on December 20, 2006, and so we have World Diabetes Day on 14th October every year.
- Why a circle? The circle occurs frequently in nature and has thus been widely employed since the dawn of humankind. The significance is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle can symbolize life and health. Most significantly for the campaign, the circle symbolizes unity. Our combined strength is the key element that made this campaign so special. The global diabetes community came together to support a United Nations Resolution on diabetes and needs to remain united to make a difference. As we all know, to do nothing is no longer an option.
- Why blue? The blue border of the circle reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations. The United Nations itself is a symbol of unity amongst nations, and is the only organisation that can encourage governments everywhere to fight diabetes and reverse the global trends that will impede economic development and cause so much suffering and premature death.
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Articles
Stonebridge
STONEBRIDGE Care Committee
The Stonebridge Care Committee is one of our most active Care and Relief groups, with a vibrant Care Committee, who are always seeking ways to help the sick and support their community. Under the expert guidance of Br Robert Beharilal, they have excelled in reaching those who need it most.
Links to TB Work - 2feet4TB - Neal Stacey
Neal Stacey, like myself, is a TB survivor. He both runs and cycles to create awareness about TB and has done amazing work in making the disease of TB known. A true fighter, he has come back from the killer disease Tuberculosis is, and has made it his life's work to spread the news that TB can be overcome, and that TB is curable.
Every year on Mandela's birthday, 18th July, millions of South Africans are called on to spend 67 minutes working for the good of others. The duration symbolises the 67 years that the late Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice.
Madiba was a TB survivor. and in honour of his legacy, Neal Stacey, TB survivor, advocate and the founder of the 2Feet4TB initiative is 67 years old and is personally embarking on the following mission:
From 6th of July, he will be walking and/or running 6.7km for 67 consecutive days until his 68th birthday which is on the 11th September.
During this period, Neal will also be cycling 67kms once a week
The total distance he will cover over this period is 1185.9 kms.
On Saturday 17th July Neal ran 67 kms and on Sunday 18th July he cycled for 67 kms.
You can support this initiative by contributing R6.70 per day, or per km, or just once off, or whenever you choose within the 67 day Day challenge.
All proceeds will be used to purchase blankets for distribution to those in need.
All monetary contributions may be deposited into the following banking account;
This year, 2023, FOSA and NATBA will be hosting Neil Stacey during the period around Worls TB Day. He will join us in the TB Placard Demonstration, address FOSA and volunteers after this event, speak on Hindvani Radio, be interviewed by the SUN newspapers, run in the TOTI Parkrun, have breakfast at the Amanzimtoti Methodist Church and address those who come together.
On Sunday he will run the half marathon of the Durban City Marathon, and on Monday fly back to the Western Cape after visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
We look forward to his being with us.
Update: Late last year Neal suffered from heart disease and although better now was sidelined
from his tenacious fight to bring TB and TB treatment to the public.
We wish him well as he recovers to be 2 feet 4 TB's icon.
2Feet4TB
Bank: Capitec
Acc No: 1626645610
Code: 470010
You can follow his exploits on Facebook, or encourage him, by dropping a whatsapp
or emailing him 2feet4tb@gmail.com
or amilingmessage to 2Feet4tb@gmail.com The good news is that he will be in Durban later this year and we will be trying to get an interview with him for our FOSA magazine.
Edit your About page from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.
Every year on Mandela's birthday, 18th July, millions of South Africans are called on to spend 67 minutes working for the good of others. The duration symbolises the 67 years that the late Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice.
Madiba was a TB survivor. and in honour of his legacy, Neal Stacey, TB survivor, advocate and the founder of the 2Feet4TB initiative is 67 years old and is personally embarking on the following mission:
From 6th of July, he will be walking and/or running 6.7km for 67 consecutive days until his 68th birthday which is on the 11th September.
During this period, Neal will also be cycling 67kms once a week
The total distance he will cover over this period is 1185.9 kms.
On Saturday 17th July Neal ran 67 kms and on Sunday 18th July he cycled for 67 kms.
You can support this initiative by contributing R6.70 per day, or per km, or just once off, or whenever you choose within the 67 day Day challenge.
All proceeds will be used to purchase blankets for distribution to those in need.
All monetary contributions may be deposited into the following banking account;
This year, 2023, FOSA and NATBA will be hosting Neil Stacey during the period around Worls TB Day. He will join us in the TB Placard Demonstration, address FOSA and volunteers after this event, speak on Hindvani Radio, be interviewed by the SUN newspapers, run in the TOTI Parkrun, have breakfast at the Amanzimtoti Methodist Church and address those who come together.
On Sunday he will run the half marathon of the Durban City Marathon, and on Monday fly back to the Western Cape after visiting the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
We look forward to his being with us.
Update: Late last year Neal suffered from heart disease and although better now was sidelined
from his tenacious fight to bring TB and TB treatment to the public.
We wish him well as he recovers to be 2 feet 4 TB's icon.
2Feet4TB
Bank: Capitec
Acc No: 1626645610
Code: 470010
You can follow his exploits on Facebook, or encourage him, by dropping a whatsapp
or emailing him 2feet4tb@gmail.com
or amilingmessage to 2Feet4tb@gmail.com The good news is that he will be in Durban later this year and we will be trying to get an interview with him for our FOSA magazine.
Edit your About page from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.
