The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has moved to clarify its stance on teenage pregnancy prevention, following concerns that it planned to force schoolgirls as young as 12 to receive contraceptives without consent.
According to the department, this was a misinterpretation of comments made by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, during the Back-to-School campaign.
In reality, the GDoH aims to educate learners about sexual reproductive health and involve parents in discussions about their children’s overall health.
ALSO READ: Gauteng Health MEC visits newborn babies at Baragwanath Hospital
The department emphasized that it has no intention of compelling girls to receive or not receive contraceptives without their consent.
The GDoH’s Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) provides health services, including sexual reproductive health education, to school-going children.
The program operates in partnership with the Gauteng Departments of Education and Social Development, and involves nurses visiting public primary, secondary, and special schools to screen learners and identify any health problems.
As part of the ISHP, learners aged 12 and above can consent to being screened by School Health Nurses, in accordance with the Children’s Act (2005).
The program also provides individual confidential counseling regarding reproductive health, and refers learners who require contraceptive methods to the nearest health facility.
ALSO READ: Gauteng Health responds shortage of clean linen at Baragwanath Hospital
In addition to the ISHP, the GDoH offers Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) at 300 community health facilities across Gauteng.
These services provide safe spaces for young people to access health services, including contraceptive options and counseling.
The department has also launched the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Intervention Plan, a multi-sectoral initiative focusing on advocacy, social mobilization, behavior change communication, and targeted interventions.
The plan aims to address the social determinants contributing to high rates of teenage pregnancy, including economic inequality, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, and societal stigma.
The GDoH remains committed to addressing teenage pregnancy and ensuring young people have access to appropriate health services while upholding their rights and dignity.
By clarifying its position and highlighting its initiatives, the department aims to reassure the public of its dedication to promoting the health and well-being of Gauteng’s youth.
