By Johannah Malogadihlare
The Gauteng health department is looking at ways to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve health services for young people.
“In line with our commitment to adolescent and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, we have set a goal to increase the number of adolescent-friendly healthcare facilities from 294 to 310 by 2025 across the province,” said Gauteng acting chief operating officer Dr Mkhulu Selepe.
Last week the Aids council met the health department to address issues of teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence and mental health.
The province recorded over 24,941 pregnancies in 2022 and 2023, with girls as young as 10 terminating pregnancies.
Ekurhuleni alone recorded 6670 pregnancies.
The deputy director for the integrated school health programme, Marousi Mzondi, said the department identified seven interrelated challenges faced by teenagers, including suicide, HIV/Aids and pregnancy.
“Addressing these issues requires a multi-sectoral approach, which includes departments such as education, health, and social development,” Mzondi said.
She confirmed that 74 adolescent and youth zones have been established in Ekurhuleni health facilities to address youth challenges.
Concluding the seminar, the department highlighted a need for collaboration to create a healthy future for teenagers.
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