WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Youth today face so many challenges, and their health should not be one of them.
Youth play a vital role in the future health of our communities, and with more than 1 062 917 youth aged between 15 and 24 in the Western Cape it is important for them to realise their responsibility. Youth Day on the 16th will once again shine light on this very important group of people.
“Being young is a wonderful time but also one with great responsibility. The health choices that our youth make today can have a lifelong impact. High teenage pregnancy rates and HIV positive youth are but a few of the challenges among our current youth. HIV/Aids is one of the biggest burdens of disease that plagues society. It is alarming to see that there is an increase among young adults. This is a result of poor socio-economic conditions faced by our youth which leads to alcohol and drug abuse among young adults and risky sexual behaviours. We have many programmes and initiatives for youth in an attempt to improve health outcomes for future generations, said Health Minister, Mbombo.
It is important for our youth to empower themselves with information about their health and how they can protect the health of others.
“ I was reluctant to visit my clinic for family planning when I was 18, and in hindsight I wish I was more responsible. Today, I regularly go for my family planning and health check-ups, it is the right thing to do being a single mother of one”, said Linda Mgena.
The Department has numerous services and initiatives aimed at developing healthy young adults and keeping them healthy.
Our facilities offer a range of services to assist you in making the best possible choices for your health.
- Youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services: We offer various forms of family planning to sexually active young people, both for males and females. Why not visit your nearest clinic to make use of this free service. (Examples: IUD, Implanon, Injection, Pill, emergency contraception and condoms).
- Mental Health: Stress about your studies or problems with your friends or at home can easily make you depressed or anxious. If you feel “off” and need to speak to someone or discuss your options please ask for help. Our trained staff are here to assist you to cope with what you are dealing with.
- Nutrition: Speak to one of our staff or dieticians for advice on a healthy diet.
- Substance abuse: There are various NGOs who are able and willing to assist you should you be dependent on any substance. Let us help you get in contact with the correct people to assist you.
- MMC: One way young men can pro-actively take care of their health is by participating in Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) services provided at primary health care facilities. By being circumcised the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, is greatly reduced. Kindly contact your nearest clinic for more information regarding the outreach dates below.
Outreach dates June:
Bitou: 21
George: 6,13,20,27
Mossel Bay: 7,14,21,28
Knysna: 14
Kannaland: 27
Oudtshoorn: 13,19, 27, 28
Hessequa: 25
- AYFS sites: These are sites which deliver services aimed at youth at times that suit them.
- B-wise: Another exciting addition to our services is that of B-Wise, a mobi-site dedicated to the Youth. This site has loads of information and tools that promote healthy lifestyles to adolescents and youth between the ages of 10-14, 15-19 and 20-24. Youth are able to access information on topics such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIv, AIDS and TB, nutrition, fitness and physical activity, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health, gender-based violence, chronic diseases, physical and mental disability, violence, trauma and injuries and oral health. https://bwisehealth.com/
- Community Orientated Primary Care (COPC): Services are also brought closer to youth through Community Orientated Primary Care services by means of mobile clinics, wellness hubs and wellness programmes.
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