A clinic visit could be the first step towards helping young people take control of their health.
Healthcare workers, however, state that many teenagers are not making full use of the services available to them.

Rabie Ridge Clinic encourages teenagers and young adults to seek information and support on family planning, HIV prevention, mental health, and other healthcare needs before problems become more serious.

Read more: Rabie Ridge Clinic urges teenagers to use sexual and mental health services

Professional nurse Precious ‘Sister Mgani’ Maluleka said the clinic provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services aimed at helping young people make informed decisions and prevent teenage pregnancies.

“We offer family planning because what we want is a generation of children that will grow up to be ladies without having children while they are children themselves.”

She said the clinic provides various contraceptive options, including oral contraceptive pills, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

The contraceptive implant, which is inserted into the non-dominant arm, provides protection against pregnancy for up to three years, while an IUD can provide protection for up to five years, but she did warn. “Remember, when you are on any kind of family planning device, it doesn’t prevent you from contracting HIV.”

The clinic also offers HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV when taken correctly. Maluleka said the clinic provides daily oral PrEP as well as the six-monthly injectable option, Lenacapavir.

Also read: Rabie Ridge Clinic offers teens tools to fight STIs and early pregnancy

Condoms, including male and female condoms, are also available to help prevent both HIV transmission and unintended pregnancies. “Before any of that, we actually advise you to abstain. We are advocating for PrEP, which prevents you from contracting HIV.”

She urged teenagers to take responsibility for their health and make use of the services available to them. “So, just as much as you are able to dribble your way and run on the floor, please run to the clinic.”

Professional nurse Senana Mokoana said the clinic provides a broader range of services, including emergency services, family planning, PrEP, mental health support, physiotherapy, psychology, and chronic illness management.

He encouraged community members to make use of the services, saying access to healthcare is a right. “Everyone has a right to access health services from Monday to Saturday, but you have to bring your identity document, as we are using a health patient registration system], which is linked nationally.”

The clinic generally operates during weekday daytime hours, although operating schedules may vary according to municipal arrangements. Residents are encouraged to confirm the clinic’s current operating hours before visiting.

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