Health service brought closer to people of Angelo

Despite our success in rolling out the largest HIV treatment programme in the world, it's estimated that nearly 2 000 South African girls and young women (almost 300 per day) are still becoming infected with HIV each week.

Seen here is Angelo resident, Thereso Maepa, being checked by Nonkhululeko Nyuza from the St Francis Care Centre.

These are the words of Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi during the first day of the Annual Rotary Family Health Days, in Rustenburg which was held on October 12.

Rotary Family Health Days, is an initiative by Rotarians for Family Health and Aids Prevention (RFHA), in partnership with the National Department of Health – the annual campaign was successfully held across South Africa over three days from October 12 to 14.

It aims to bring free primary healthcare services to 110 disadvantaged communities across South Africa where such services are not easily accessible. Members of underprivileged communities get access to vital basic health care, including free health screenings, immunisations, family planning and HIV testing and counseling.

“This campaign will fast track efforts to empower young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, Motsoaledi added.

“The plight of girls and young women aged between 15 and 24 was highlighted earlier this year when government announced the launch of She Conquers – a campaign that promotes the prevention of HIV among this age group.”

In Boksburg, the health campaign was held at the Light of the World Divine Power Ministry, in the Angelo Informal Settlement.

Boksburg and Benoni Rotary clubs were involved in the proceedings in Angelo. Over 700 people attended and were checked by the health officials for various illnesses.

Heidi Tucker, President of Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, said the turnout had been phenomenal as people responded to the call to get their health checked.

“We thank everyone who participated in making the three days productive,” Tucker said.

Angelo resident, Thereso Maepa, expressed joy for the health services she received.

“I’m glad health officials came to us, because our problem is that we live far away from the Boksburg North clinic. I hope they can have these campaigns twice a year at least,” Maepa said.

Seen here are staff members from the St Francis Care Centre who provided HIV testing and counselling, high blood pressure and other screenings during the annual Rotary Health Days campaign in Angelo. They are (from left): Siboniso Gazu, Lebo Ntjona (HIV testing services project manager), Busisiwe Sibanyoni, Khuthadza Nemutanzhela and Mampheu Mofokeng.

Here Khuthadza Nemutanzhela is testing Sarah Makgoro for blood sugar.

Seen here is the community of Angelo, who came out in large numbers to receive free primary healthcare services during the annual Rotary Family Health Days from October 12 to 14.

Queuing in the line to be examined by health officials at the mobile clinic during the annual Rotary Family Health Days, held in Angelo from October 12 to 14.

Seen here are members from the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora during the annual Rotary Family Health Days campaign held in Angelo from October 12 to 14. They are (from left) Dubretha Oosthuizen, Gina Grant, Heidi Tucker and Maria Madigaga.