Department of Health makes sexual health easier for women

OWING to the exponential increase in teenage pregnancies, the Department of Health has launched a free-of-charge service for women of childbearing age.

The healthcare department handed over an innovative solution called the Self-care Wellness Vending Machine on Wednesday in the Eastern Cape.

ALSO READ: New ‘daylight robbery’ crime trend

This is after it was recorded that more than 11 500 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth in public service facilities between 2020 and 2023.

Specifically targeted at sexually mature women, the vending machine will increase accessibility to sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention services, which will result in fewer unsafe abortions due to unplanned pregnancies.

Each machine is stocked with essential oral contraceptives such as Nordette, Triphasil, Microval, and Ovral, while the morning-after pill is available as an emergency contraceptive.

In addition to the various contraceptives, the Department of Health has ensured that preventative aids such as HIV self-testing kits, lubricants, pregnancy tests, sanitary towels and condoms for both males and females are also available.

A total of 13 machines are said to be rolled out to five provinces as part of the launch, followed by a countrywide roll-out later.

They will be placed in easy-to-access areas such as learning institutions, malls and at Sassa points.

HAVE YOUR SAY