Hlongwa CBO has partnered with the Department of Health on a programme to conduct community screening and testing at kwaMaphumulo, kwaHlongwa Traditional Thafamasi. This programme is funded by the Department of Public Works and The Independent Development Trust (IDT) is an implementation Agency for the government. Hlongwa CBO Network has recruited 75 volunteers in order to increase access to reliable screening which is critical in an effort to contain the spread of the corona virus and flatten the curve of this pandemic.

The Hlongwa CBO Network Covid-19 screening programme has the following objectives:

• Helping community members who have concerns about Covid-19 and are showing symptoms to get screened and tested for free;
• Creating awareness of the corona virus, covid-19 screening process and safety regulations community members are required to comply with,
• Enabling public health officials to target testing efforts
• Refer affected community members who are showing symptoms to the quarantine sits at Ntunjambili Hospital and Umphumulo Hospital.

Community testing is crucial to understanding the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also means our healthcare professionals are able to respond appropriately to the spread of the coronavirus. This is a valuable initiative by Hlongwa CBO Network that will see our communities benefit from having access to the screening services, respond early and save their lives and improve the safety of others in the communities.