Youth urged to prioritise health and well-being
The Department of Health emphasized the importance of investing in the youth for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.
In closing Youth Month, the Gamalakhe Community Health Centre urged young people to prioritise their health and well-being.
The health centre held a programme at the Ward 5 Community Hall in Gamalakhe last Friday.
According to the centre’s PRO, Lifa Radebe, the Department of Health emphasised the importance of investing in the youth for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.
He said this included educating young people about health initiatives, accessing available services, and taking steps to protect themselves from various health risks.
Speaking at the community hall, nurse Nandisa Ngejana said advancing health and the wellbeing of adolescents was crucial for creating a healthier and more inclusive society.
She said their adolescent and youth-friendly services (AYFS) addressed the health needs and challenges of young people.
“These services encourage young people to access the services provided at primary health care facilities and also capacitate health professionals on a positive attitude towards adolescents. Our AYFS aims to reduce certain behaviours among young people, such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and Aids, and others,” she said.
The CEO of the Gamalakhe Community Health Centre, Dr Frank Shongwe, stated that the AYFS is crucial to enhancing the health and well-being of young people by addressing the unique barriers they face in accessing healthcare.
He added that young people must access these services because they are available to them.
Also at the Ward 5 Community Hall, social worker Nonkululeko Ngcobo said the department emphasised the importance of addressing mental health challenges, particularly among adolescent girls and their limited access to education.
Ngcobo said it was best to seek professional help at the Gamalakhe Community Health Centre should you have any suicidal thoughts or notice any symptoms of mental illness.
The guest speaker, Dr Andile Nene, encouraged the young people in the hall to study hard to fulfil their dreams.
Meanwhile, Radebe said: “Let us recognise the importance of addressing health issues that affect young people. By promoting healthy lifestyles, providing access to healthcare services, and supporting initiatives that prioritise adolescent health, we can empower the next generation to thrive.”
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