Additional ISHP vehicles handed over to strengthen leaner health services in Ratanda
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko visited Ratanda to hand over new Integrated School Health Programme vehicles and oversee HPV vaccinations, reinforcing early healthcare support for learners.
Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, visited Fountain Five Primary School in Ratanda on February 24 to hand over additional vehicles for the Integrated School Health Programme, strengthening the delivery of healthcare services to learners.
The new vehicles are expected to improve the reach and efficiency of school health teams, enabling them to conduct routine screenings and identify health issues that may affect learners’ academic performance.
The programme focuses on early detection and intervention, ensuring that learners receive timely care and referrals where necessary.
During the visit, the MEC also oversaw the administration of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, part of the department’s ongoing efforts to prevent serious illnesses and promote long-term health among school-going children. Nkomo Ralehoko said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to accessible preventative healthcare.
“Today’s handover strengthens our commitment to bringing essential health services directly to our learners, especially in communities where access to healthcare may be limited. By expanding the reach of the Integrated School Health Programme, we are ensuring that children are screened early, supported promptly and given a healthier foundation to succeed in the classroom. These additional vehicles will help our healthcare teams reach more schools efficiently, identify health challenges sooner and provide the necessary care without delay,” she said.
Nknomo Ralehoko also highlighted the importance of administering the HPV vaccine.
“The administration of the HPV vaccine also highlights our focus on preventative care. By protecting learners from preventable diseases at an early stage, we are investing in a healthier future generation. Our goal is to work closely with parents, educators and communities to ensure that every child has access to the healthcare services they need to thrive academically, socially and physically. We remain committed to strengthening school health services across the province and to building a responsive healthcare system that supports learners from the classroom to the community,” she said.
