Image Source: The Citizen
Local – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) urges residents to be extra cautious this winter to prevent burn injuries, which typically rise during the colder months as temperatures drop across South Africa.
The department warned that many communities, especially those in informal settlements and hostels, face higher risks because they rely on open flames, paraffin stoves, and other informal heating methods.
Marking the start of National Burns Awareness Week, observed from 6 to 12 May 2025, the department has launched its campaign under the theme “Protect, Prevent, Heal.” The week raises awareness about the dangers of burns and promotes practical steps to avoid them.
“The theme calls on individuals and communities to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others, prevent burn incidents through simple safety practices, and ensure that those injured receive the proper care needed to heal,” said the department.
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Stepping Up Efforts to Promote Fire Safety
Burn injuries remain a significant health challenge in South Africa. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “burns account for approximately 180,000 deaths annually, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.”
Locally, around 3.2% of the population sustains burn injuries every year, with children, the elderly, and those living in crowded or underdeveloped areas being at the most significant risk.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery revealed that at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, 85% of paediatric burn admissions between 2015 and 2019 involved children under 10. Therefore, children should always be supervised around fires and heating devices.
“The leading causes were hot water burns (69%) and flame burns (21%), with most incidents occurring within the home setting, often when young children are left unsupervised around boiling water or open flames.”
As such, the department is intensifying efforts to promote fire safety, advising residents to never leave an open flame unattended, keep flammable items away from heaters, and switch off all heating equipment before going to sleep.
If a burn occurs, the GDoH stresses that “the affected area should be cooled under clean, running water for at least 20 minutes” and warns against using home remedies like butter or toothpaste.
Instead, the area should be covered with a clean cloth, and medical help should be sought immediately for serious injuries, especially for deep burns or burns affecting areas such as the face, hands, feet, or other sensitive body areas.
“The department remains committed to raising awareness and strengthening early intervention efforts to reduce the burden of burn injuries across the province.”
“As the cold season deepens, let us all work together to stay warm in safer ways and protect our families, especially children, from preventable harm,” the department stated.
