City of Johannesburg prioritises women’s health

The City of Johannesburg believes that prevention is better than cure and that is why the health department has established women’s health clinics in all its 82 primary public health care facilities throughout the city.

The purpose of women’s health clinics is to afford women the opportunity to be assessed in time to prevent or diagnose certain health conditions early so they can be treated before complications set in.

Women health clinics deal with issues such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, contraception, HIV and maternal health, among others.

Deputy Director of Public Health Elionora Lebethe said the city regularly holds health awareness campaigns to encourage women to utilise these facilities.

“The city’s health workers in the various regions assist in creating awareness of women’s health issues and to ensure that they know where to go for women-related health services.

“Our health promoters also address issues of antenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy,” said Lebethe.

South Africa has the biggest HIV treatment programme in the world and has managed to reduce mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV for six weeks from 8% in 2008 to 2.6% in 2013.

According to Lebethe one of the major benefits of women starting antenatal care early is to conduct HIV testing and put them on the Prevention of PMTCT Strategy if positive.

A total of 49 634 antenatal clients were seen at the City’s healthcare facilities during July 2014-June 2015.

Women can select any of the following options:

• Pill e.g. Triphasil, Ovral, Microval;
• Injectable – Depo Provera/Petogen (two monthly), Nur-Isterate (two monthly);
• Implants – Implannon NXT (three yearly); and
• Intra-Uterine Device – Loop (five yearly)

Lebethe urges women to use any of these methods with a condom for dual protection and to ensure they are protected from sexually transmitted infections.

“Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papilloma Virus and this and breast cancer is two most common cancers affecting women,” said Lebethe.

Global figures show that about 500 000 women die from breast cancer and a further half a million from cervical cancer each year.

Early detection and treatment often lead to cure and the national government have now made available the Human Papilloma Vaccine to protect girls from the age of nine.

The campaign, which started in 2014, is aimed at Grade Four girl pupils attending quintiles one to four public schools.

Lebethe said a total of 10 334 pupils were immunised during the 2015-2016 financial year.

“This year’s campaign is already under way and ends on 06 September 2016.

“Pap smears are administered at all healthcare facilities to screen for cervical cancer and those with abnormal results are referred to hospitals for further investigation and management.

“A total of 56 582 pap smears were done at healthcare facilities between July 2015 and June 2016.

“Women are encouraged to do breast self-examination. We demonstrate the technique to women so they can carry out their own breast palpation monthly as advised,” said Lebethe.

With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming up in October, woman are encouraged to go for breast cancer screening and pap smears.