Spotlight on youth friendly service at Pinetown Clinic
A research has shown that young people wanted a welcoming and friendly facility, where they could drop in and be attended to quickly.
TO improve the optimal health status of youth and adolescents in eThekwini, the municipality’s Health Unit launched an Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) package at Pinetown Clinic on Friday, 29 September.
The launch, emceed by socialite, Jessica Nkosi and Westville resident, Pastor Siyabonga Nzimande – who is also a motivational speaker – was attended by NGOs that worked hand-in-hand with the young people, Ward 18 councillor, Melanie Brauteseth, Pinetown High Schools’ learners, health department officials and motivational speakers.
The launch of these services made the Pinetown Clinic the first health facility in the eThekwini district to be compliant with the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services standards.
Health Unit deputy head, Busi Grootboom, said it has been noted that most young people are scared to go and get assistance at the clinics because they are afraid to be judged.
“This then causes a problem because they can not get guidance and prevent getting STDs, HIV and early pregnancy.
“Recent research revealed that young people wanted a welcoming and friendly facility where they could drop in and be attended to quickly.”
Grootboom said the National Department of Health has required that all clinics should provide this friendly service.
“This will be headed by a ‘champion’, but all the clinic staff, from the security guard at the gate to the nurses, will be orientated and trained so that they can understand this service and also offer their support,” she said.
Pinetown Boys’ High School Interact Club president, Sitholile Sithole, said they were grateful to be invited to be part of this historic launch.
“The purpose of this event was to raise awareness on the youths’ health care. We were asked to create posters on Youth Health Care and raise awareness on safe sex and promote a ‘friendly medical service’,” said Sitholile.
Pinetown Boys’ gave an inspiring performance where the boys uplifted women and showed that they care and are willing to fight for the rights of women and strive for equality.
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