Kwa-Thema – The Kwa-Thema Main Clinic launched its Adolescent Youth-Friendly Services (AYFS) with support from the Soul City Institute on July 4.
This initiative provides accessible and supportive healthcare to young people, ensuring they receive the services in a safe and welcoming environment.
Stakeholders like the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the Kwa-Thema Library and the Thabang Xaba Foundation supported the launch.
The Springs Field Band, also known as Londolusha, provided endless entertainment. Soul City Institute programmes officer Nondumiso Kheswa said they partnered with the clinic to launch the programme as mandated by the National Department of Health.
Sifiso Ntshangase explains the services teenagers can get at the clinic. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“The AYFS is an approach meant to strengthen and improve the quality of healthcare, specifically designed for young people. ‘Adolescent’ refers to teenagers.
“‘A friendly service’ refers to the treatment and services they will receive from the professionals at the clinic, meaning when they come to the clinic, they have to receive friendly service from the security guard welcoming them with that smile, to when they pass the cleaners and the receptionist,” explained Kheswa.
She stressed the importance of integrating the AYFS in a manner that makes young people comfortable enough to visit the clinic, noting that youth were often hesitant to reach out or go to the primary healthcare centre.
“We have identified several reasons why young people do not visit health care services. One was stigma and judgment. We want to end that,” mentioned Kheswa.
The children receive valuable information. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Clinic operational manager Teboho Mabena said the launch was about encouraging teens to go to the clinic. She said a dedicated social worker and nurse are available specifically to help learners during school and after-school hours.
“These individuals will give health talks and professional advice, and services. The reason we are trying to prevent young children from standing in line with everyone is that many feel intimidated and judged.
“ Others don’t come to the clinic because of the fear of stigma and criticism. They also fear raising their concerns,” stated Mabena.
Mabena explained that the clinic conducted school health services, which often uncovered disadvantages. She said others were identified with toothaches or rotten teeth, but did not go to the clinic to have them extracted.
Clinic staff members Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, Teboho Mabena, Peggy Zondo and Nompumelelo Masango in school uniforms. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“They are also unaware of the vast services we provide in clinics. Many learners attend school while sick, but they are given consent forms at school for their parents or guardians to sign, allowing them to visit the clinic.
“The forms are often never returned, and the children do not receive the medical attention they require. We urge parents to encourage their children to visit health care centres,” she said.
She highlighted a gap in teenagers, saying many came to the clinic pregnant, not knowing that and were clueless about HIV, STIs and other sexually transmitted diseases.
“If they come to the clinic in that state, nurses can teach them about their state, requirements and how to take good care of themselves,” she said.
Mabena said the clinic offers:• Dental services;
• General health screenings and treatment for illnesses, developmental check-ups, nutrition and vaccinations, tailored to be disability-inclusive;
• Integrated therapy services: In-house occupational and speech therapies for adolescents with developmental, neurological or speech-related challenges;
• Disability-inclusive services: Targeted support for youth living with intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities;
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• Sexual and reproductive health services: Access to all contraceptives (pills, condoms, injectables), pregnancy testing and counselling, safe abortion information and referrals (when legal), STI screening, treatment and education. HIV testing, counselling, and treatment (if needed);
• Mental health support: Basic mental health assessments, individual counselling for stress, depression, anxiety and trauma and referrals to social workers and psychologists;
• Health education and life skills: Peer education programmes, information on puberty, relationships, sexuality, substance abuse prevention and awareness.
• Chronic illness management: Screening and support for conditions like diabetes, asthma and epilepsy
“The youth-friendly services will include confidential and non-judgmental care provided by trained staff who understand adolescent health needs,” concluded Mabena.
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