Women’s health in the spotlight this Women’s Month
JOHANNESBURG – The Department of Health has prioritised women's health this month.
As part of the Women’s Month celebration, the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Health is continuing the outreach programme to educate women about health issues.
The City’s health outreach programmes during August focuses mainly on issues that are of major concern for women in the City of Johannesburg.
Deputy director of Public Health in the City of Johannesburg, Hlubikazi Ntamehlo said the outreach programmes during Women’s Month are making an impact in creating awareness about women’s health and reaching a number of women in the City.
“Among the conditions that present most frequently in women are cancers, HIV and lifestyle diseases (non-communicable diseases),” said Ntamehlo.
“High rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments in women are a huge reality. This is despite the availability of resources to help people understand their personal health and wellness needs. For the Women’s Month, the focus is on accountability of one’s health needs.”
The City’s Health Department outlines some of the most common women’s health issues in Johannesburg:
Cancer: Two of the most common cancers affecting women are cervical and breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most predominant cancer affecting women, impacting over 1.5 million women globally each year. Breast cancer symptoms include a lump inside the breast, breast pain, change in the appearance of skin or breast shape and nipple discharge. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance of cure and the easier it is to treat. Two strategies are early screening and diagnosis.
Maternal and child health: The City of Johannesburg has made major progress over the past years to improve the health status of pregnant women and young children through the provision of antenatal care services and childhood vaccination to prevent common vaccine-preventable illnesses.
HIV/Aids: Comprehensive treatment and care programmes are being offered at all clinics in the City of Johannesburg and figures are showing major reductions in infection rates among HIV-exposed infants.
Lifestyle diseases: The City’s health education has increased awareness about how lifestyle choices can improve the quality of life of residents and counter many conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/183829/women-in-uniform-celebrate-womens-month-in-midrand/
