The fourth annual Rotary Family Health Days is planned to be a clinical success.
Hosted from October 12 to 14 countrywide, the Health Days are an opportunity for the community to receive free health services, and for Rotary members to make a direct difference in the lives of others.
“Sometimes in our busy and privileged lives, we seem to forget the day-to-day hardships some people in our community face,” explained Majuba Rotary chairman, Daniel Couper.
Mr Couper and fellow Rotarians will be present at Utrecht Primary on October 14, an area the organisation has seen the biggest need.
He requested volunteers from the community to help ensure the day’s success.
Majuba Rotary will process administration and manage lines, while the Department of Health conducts tests and screenings for HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, diabetes and hypertension, plus administering measles inoculations, polio drops, vitamin A doses, deworming and education on nutrition and lifestyle choices.
“The benefit [to the community] is that they don’t have to travel for miles to the nearest hospital, as the service is provided on their doorstep without the need to wait in long lines.”
Rotary, in conjunction with the National Department of Health, Californian-based bio-pharmaceutical company, Gilead and other national media houses, aim to reach 100 000 people nationally.
The focus for 2016 is adolescent girls and young women.
As part of the National Department of Health’s strategic plan, the campaign will fast track efforts to empower youths, especially young females.
“High HIV incidence in young women and girls is compounded by high levels of teenage pregnancy, school dropout and gender-based violence, and occurs in a context where there are limited economic opportunities for youths,” read a national press release promoting Rotary Family Health Days.
The story of the initiative goes back to Rotarian, Marion Bunch, who lost her son to Aids in 1994.
Determined to turn her grief into a positive force for change, Marion founded Rotarians for Family Health and Aids Prevention (RFHA) in 2004.
In 2013, RHFA launched the first Rotary Family Health Days event in South Africa.
Two years later, the Health Days became part of the National Department of Health’s annual programme of activities, with RHFA as the convener and managing partner for the event.
To get involved, visit rfha.org.za and click on ‘how to volunteer’.
Fill in the form, and Rotary will contact you; alternatively, dial *120*7434# or call the helpline (080 001 2322) for your nearest site details.
