Women’s health put on top

The City of Johannesburg Health Department prioritises women’s health and believes that prevention is better than cure.

The Health Department has established women’s health clinics in all 82 primary public healthcare facilities throughout the city.

The purpose of women’s health clinics is to afford women the opportunity to be assessed on time to prevent or diagnose certain health conditions early, so they can be treated before complications set in.

The women clinics deal with issues such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, contraception, HIV and maternal health, among others.

“The City regularly holds health awareness campaigns to encourage women to utilise these facilities.

The City’s health workers in the various regions also assist in creating awareness of women’s health issues and to ensure they know where to go for women-related health services,” said the deputy director of public health, Ms Elionora Lebethe.

South Africa has the biggest HIV treatment programme in the world and has managed to reduce mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV at six weeks from 8 percent in 2008 to 2.6 percent in 2013.

Ms Lebethe added that one of the major benefits of women starting antenatal care early is to conduct HIV testing and to put them on the Prevention of PMTCT Strategy if positive.

A total of 49 634 antenatal clients were seen at the City’s healthcare facilities during July 2014 to June 2015.

On contraception, Ms Lebethe said family planning services are available at all healthcare facilities.

Women can select any of the following options: Pill – Triphasil, Ovral, Microval; Injectables – Depo Provera/Petogen, Nur-Isterate Implants – Implannon NXT and Intra-Uterine Device – Loop.

Ms Lebethe urged women to use any of these methods with a condom for dual protection and to ensure they are protected from sexually transmitted infections.

Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papilloma Virus.

It and breast cancer are the two most common cancers affecting women.

”Global figures show that about 500 000 women die from breast cancer and a further half a million from cervical cancer each year.

Early detection and treatment often leads to cure.

The national government has now made available the Human Papilloma Vaccine to protect girls from the age of nine.

The campaign, which started in 2014, is aimed at Grade 4 girl learners attending quintiles 1 to 4 public schools,” said Ms Lebethe.

Pap smears are administered at all healthcare facilities to screen for cervical cancer.

Those with abnormal results are referred to hospitals for further investigation and management.

A total of 56 582 pap smears were done at healthcare facilities between July 2015 and June 2016.

“I like to encourage women to do breast self-examination.

“We demonstrate the technique to women so they can carry out their own breast palpation monthly as advised,” said Ms Lebethe.