Gamalakhe Community Health Centre hosted its Healthy Mbokodo Women’s Health programme recently. It was held at the MPCC Hall in Qinabout, bringing women and community stakeholders together to create awareness, promote disease prevention, and improve access to essential healthcare services for all women.

The centre’s spokesperson, Lifa Radebe, said the event focused on empowering women with knowledge and encouraging them to take greater responsibility for their health through regular screening, early detection and preventive healthcare.

One of the speakers, Thembisa Nxokweni, highlighted the importance of creating platforms where women can openly discuss health-related issues and access reliable information.

Dr Philile Makhanya delivered a key presentation on preventive healthcare and regular screenings. The session covered important health conditions affecting women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, HIV and tuberculosis.

“Women are encouraged to make screening part of their routine healthcare, as early detection can improve treatment outcomes,” said Makhanya.

The women were also advised to care for their sexual and reproductive health. Nobuntu Peko urged women to discuss family planning, teenage pregnancy and termination of pregnancy, providing an opportunity for participants to receive information and better understand the importance of informed reproductive health choices.

The women also spoke on mental health. Zama Nhlumayo took women through the importance of recognising and addressing mental health concerns and encouraged them to seek appropriate support when facing emotional or psychological challenges.

Furthermore, Nosihle Mlaba emphasised that immunisation remains an important component of disease prevention and protecting individuals and communities. She encouraged the women’s community to immunise regularly to keep themselves healthy.

The centre’s CEO, Dr Frank Shongwe, encouraged collaboration with healthcare workers, community leaders and residents to promote healthier communities.

“Gamalakhe Community Health Centre is committed to taking healthcare closer to the community and creating opportunities for women to access health information, screening and support. Through initiatives such as Healthy Mbokodo, women are encouraged to prioritise their health, attend regular screenings, seek healthcare early and share accurate health information within their families and communities,” said Shongwe.

The event served as an important reminder that healthier women contribute significantly to healthier families and stronger communities.

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