Health

YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO PROACTIVELY SEEK HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO COMMEMORATE YOUTH MONTH

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 344

The City of Ekurhuleni encourages young people to commemorate Youth Month by proactively attending to their health and seeking Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services (AYFS) at the city’s healthcare facilities.

The adolescent and youth-friendly services are tailored to address the barriers youth face in accessing high-quality health services, including sexual and reproductive health services. AYFS is designed to promote the health and well-being of young people aged between 10 and 35.

“The youth is our future, and we encourage young people to take advantage of this commemorative month and be proactive about their health by taking steps to achieve personal wellness,” said the city’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

All primary healthcare facilities have a dedicated professional nurse, referred to as an AYFS champion, trained to provide primary healthcare services to young people while ensuring a seamless, confidential, and friendly experience. 

The AYFS package includes the following:

  • Drug and substance abuse;
  • HIV/AIDS, TB prevention and TB treatment; including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis);
  • Nutrition and physical exercises;
  • Mental health/illness; services which include psychotherapy and counselling;
  • Sexual and reproductive health;
  • Gender-based violence empowerment services;
  • Violence prevention;
  • Choice on termination of pregnancy;
  • Acute and chronic disease management; and
  • Family planning methods, including long-acting reversible contraception methods.