Making a ‘Goliath’ difference in the community
Drickus Maartens • August 10, 2020
Sr Sharilyn Goliath, a theatre nurse at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, urges the public to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Sr Goliath was recently recognised in a local radio station competition for her caring and meaningful contribution to fighting the spread of the disease within communities in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape.
Caring Netcare nurses empower local residents to protect themselves from, and prevent the spread of, COVID-19
Empowering her local community and taxi commuters with an understanding about how COVID-19 spreads and how this can be prevented, has become the mission of Sr Sharilyn Goliath, a theatre nurse at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, who was recently recognised in a local radio station competition for her caring and meaningful contribution to fighting the spread of the disease within local communities.
“When people have insight into what COVID-19 is and the various ways in which it can spread, they are empowered to better protect themselves by following the COVID-19 precautions correctly,” Sr Goliath says.
“Four of us healthcare workers got together, and with donations from local businesses and the good people of Port Elizabeth, we have been distributing sanitisers and masks to the community. Education is one of the most powerful tools for community health, and we saw a great need to fill the gaps in the understanding of COVID-19 to help prevent transmission through people’s daily activities,” she explains.
Sr Goliath is assisted in her community outreach initiatives by two of her nursing colleagues from the hospital, Sr Aimee Morris and Sr Anchen Goliath, who is not related to Sr Sharilyn Goliath although they share the same surname, and a paramedic from the State emergency medical services. She explains that their endeavour began as an extension of her involvement in a soup kitchen programme in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth, where she grew up.
“We would see children coming to the soup kitchen for food, but they didn’t have masks to wear. We arranged for local women in the community to sew face masks, which we then donated to the communities, and this helped to create some income for the women too.
“We realised that many people do not understand why it is important for everyone to wear a mask in public, and so we started quite casually explaining the principles behind COVID-19 prevention measures, and this seemed to help change people’s behaviour.”
Ever since, the four health crusaders have been sharing their healthcare knowledge, speaking to schools and communities to build understanding about hygiene, physical distancing and the need to wear masks.
“We had the opportunity to be part of an initiative by the COVID-19 Relief Centre, the Eastern Cape Department of Health and Nelson Mandela Bay Disaster Management to educate taxi commuters, drivers and conductors on COVID-19 prevention. We handed out masks and sanitisers and explained the importance of keeping windows open for ventilation and following all the precautions at all times because of the contagious nature of the virus and its really serious health implications,” Sr Goliath says.
Sr Goliath was recently nominated as one of the winners of an Algoa FM competition as part of the Adcock Ingram OTC Winter radio campaign that commenced in June 2020. “I was absolutely surprised and delighted, and since I was interviewed on the radio, more people and local businesses have heard about what we are doing and are coming forward wanting to participate,” she says.
General manager of Netcare Greenacres Hospital, Andre Bothma, commended Srs Sharilyn and Anchen Goliath and Sr Morris for the caring they are demonstrating outside of their nursing duties. “We are deeply humbled at their proactive approach in starting this excellent community-spirited initiative in their spare time. Their work is certain to make a big difference in the public’s understanding of COVID-19, and this knowledge is power for preventing transmission.”
Sr Goliath says her message to the wider public is to not underestimate the seriousness of COVID-19.
“Please obey the rules and do what you are supposed to do, because as nurses we see first-hand how bad this illness really can be. In these difficult times, love your family and appreciate every good thing you have, and please do everything possible to protect yourself and others,” Sr Goliath concluded.
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With Rare Disease Day on the 28th of February 2025, the Rare Diseases Access Initiative (RDAI) is driving an evolution of the country’s healthcare, through innovative strategies to better care for over 4.2million people living with an estimated 7000 rare diseases. “As our healthcare system faces significant changes in the years ahead, it is vital that we also advocate for people living with rare diseases in South Africa, especially those with limited healthcare access,” said Kelly du Plessis, CEO of Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), a member of RDAI. “As part of our ongoing research and awareness efforts, RDAI has conducted an initial analysis of the incidence and prevalence of rare diseases within the country.” This research will assist in improving access to healthcare, policy development, and patient advocacy, while giving critical insight into the challenges faced by patients. “According to research, some rare diseases affect fewer than 1 in a million people, while others, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and haemophilia, have a more recognisable prevalence,” says Dr. Helen Malherbe, RDAI lead researcher on rare disease prevalence data. “Many conditions are undetected, underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, with too many having no information available about them at all.” The RDAI was formed in 2019 to promote a more favourable environment for those impacted by rare diseases in South Africa. Participants include Ampath, the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), Discovery Health, Genetic Counsellors South Africa (SASHG), the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), Health Funders Association (HFA), Medihelp, Medscheme, North-West University (NWU), Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and The South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED). The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) participates as an observer. In the same year, Rare Disease International signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organisation leading to an international rare disease policy framework. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly moved to adopt a resolution recognising 300 million people living with rare diseases worldwide. “A general lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis remain major hurdles for those affected by rare diseases. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders need to prioritise access to treatment, diagnosis, and support for rare disease patients,” says Bada Pharasi, CEO of IPASA, “Through this initiative, working collaboratively with stakeholders at every level of the healthcare supply chain, we can bring real and meaningful change to those affected, including family members and care givers, through smart and efficient strategies.” The globally agreed definition of a rare disease is any medical condition with a specific pattern of clinical signs, symptoms, and findings that affects fewer than or equal to 1 in 2000 persons in a population. “Most are genetic, and some are inherited and passed down in families,” Malherbe says. “Some affect only the patient’s genetic recipe, while others may be acquired during life due to infection, trauma, or environmental effects. 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Naturally, this model calls for the open participation of patients, the healthcare industry, health professionals, and the Government. “The most critical elements are robust diagnosis standards, improved access to treatment, data collection and management, co-ordination of care, measurement of outcomes and ongoing collaborative research,” du Plessis says. “We need to establish rare disease advisory committees, map gaps and opportunities, establish system requirements, create a roadmap and plan a phased implementation with clear timelines.” The RDAI states that these policy development steps would be a start in quantifying the disease burden and defining standards of care. This would be followed by building and strengthening the capacity to facilitate appropriate diagnosis, treatment, continuity and data monitoring. 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About RDAI The Rare Diseases Access Initiative (RDAI) is dedicated to advocating for improved healthcare access, policy development, and patient support for those affected by rare diseases in South Africa. The initiative brings together key healthcare stakeholders, including pharmaceutical associations, funders, genetic specialists, and patient advocacy groups, to drive impactful change. About RDSA Founded in 2013, Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) is a non-profit organisation advocating to ensure that people living with rare diseases and congenital disorders experience greater recognition, support, improved health service and better overall quality of life. Started out of personal need following the diagnosis of organisation founder, Kelly du Plessis' son, it became evident that there was a lack of awareness and support for rare diseases in general in South Africa. About IPASA The Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA) is a voluntary trade association representing 24 leading pharmaceutical companies committed to research, development, and innovation. Our mission is to drive healthcare advancement by advocating for policies that improve patient access to safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines.
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