The Department of Health hosted a Youth Health Outreach programme for young people at Mshadza Sports Ground on Thursday July 13.
It was led by the deputy minister of health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, accompanied by the Mpumalanga MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini.
The campaign was attended by health partners, civil society, and traditional and community leaders.
According to Dhlomo, the aim of the event was to create public health awareness, specifically to the youthful masses, for them to take a stand concerning their health and well-being, by providing access to healthcare services from the Department of Health.
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“The event must be a reminder to the youth to take their health status seriously and stay away from substances that are harmful to them. The importance is for them to know their health status, and to focus on studying for a better future,” he said.
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Dhlomo said this event contributes to the plan to target these youngsters by encouraging them to visits local health facilities to learn more about their health. “Especially when it comes to sexual reproductive health services, which include contraceptives that are key to preventing sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and unsafe termination of pregnancies.”
Read more in the next print edition of Mpumalanga News.