Bertha Gxowa Hospital care centre staff together with mental health social workers and Germiston SAPS held an awareness campaign on child abuse and teenage pregnancy.

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The team visited the Golden Walk Shopping Centre on January 11 to interact with shoppers, targeting mostly the youngster.

This campaign was probed by last year’s alarming teenage pregnancy states.

“There is an outcry about teenage pregnancy. We have noticed that some men and young boys aren’t aware of the age of consent,” said Sr Hazel Moagi, hospital operational manager.

“Some of these cases are pure abuse and some involve a lack of information. More education is needed because these girls don’t get themselves pregnant.”

She said it’s important to hold such awareness campaigns because of the shocking numbers.

“This campaign was about creating awareness about the available services on offer for teenagers.

“We have youth-friendly services in most clinics in Ekurhuleni where young people get comprehensive care around reproductive health. These services are for free and they have a right to use them.

“Our wish is to prevent teenage pregnancies and all forms of child abuse,” said Moagi.
She said it’s important for youngsters to know where to get help when they need it.

“We are also aware that as school reopened, some learners are going back to unfavourable environments. Some are facing being bullied, so we are there to offer support,” said Moagi.

She also encouraged parents to build relationships with their children as that will open a line of communication.

“Show interest and follow up on what they are up.”

Pamphlets on teenage pregnancy, GBV, bullying, substance abuse, and mental health were handed out.