Durban — South Africa’s alarming increase in teenagers giving birth in health facilities – which include girls aged between 10 and 19 – has drawn the attention of National Deputy Health Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
Dhlomo led the healthy life activities and public discussions in the fight against social ills which included violence against women and children, a high rate of HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, especially among girls and young women around Umbumbulu and neighbouring communities in KwaZulu-Natal.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, and several leaders from local government, traditional council and community-based organisations.
They encouraged community members to visit health facilities for regular health screenings and testing in line with the government’s vision of a long and healthy life for all South Africans.
Speaking at the Msholozi Sports Ground in Umbumbulu on Monday, Dhlomo said South African adolescents and youth were facing various health challenges and social ills. Most of the new HIV incidences were at 30% among young people.
He said the struggle for a healthy life could not be achieved if young people remained at an increased risk of mortality and morbidity associated with accidents, suicide, HIV/Aids, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy-related complications and other preventable and treatable conditions.
“We are mindful that life has many complex challenges facing the young people of today, who are the leaders of tomorrow. Access to essential and quality health services remains another serious challenge which cannot be ignored and needs all hands on deck in order to overcome them,” said Dhlomo.
The department had noted the complaints that were perceived as barriers for adolescents and young adults to access essential health services, he said.
These were not limited to a lack of youth-friendly training among staff, lack of a dedicated space for young people, poor/judgemental staff attitudes and stigma.
He further stated that the department had opened 1 219 zones across the country, 402 of which were established in KwaZulu-Natal.
The zones will be places in clinics to be operated by young professionals, to care specifically for young adults.
“We encourage young people to lead in the design, implementation and monitoring of these youth zones to ensure they are used effectively to achieve their purpose. They are customised to suit their needs and for them to be more comfortable to use our facilities. The aim is to ensure that young people are provided with a comprehensive and integrated package of services without fear of judgement.
“As part of our efforts to protect girls and young women who find themselves in a situation of unplanned pregnancy and opt to go to backstreet clinics to terminate, we have embarked on a campaign to promote safe, legal and free termination of pregnancy/ abortion services at our dedicated health facilities,” said Dhlomo.
Daily News