Health Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, is expected to oversee youth projects in the Collins Chabane Municipality in Limpopo today.
The Deputy Minister’s visit is part of the Department of Health’s ongoing programme to raise awareness about the importance of youngsters accessing health services.
The department focuses on sexual reproductive health services, including contraceptives that are key to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and unsafe termination of pregnancy.
“South Africa is experiencing health and social challenges which include high HIV incidence rates, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy which contribute to school dropouts amongst young people, especially girls and young women.
“These problems are interconnected and driven by a number of factors,” said the department in a statement ahead of Tuesday’s visit.
Collins Chabane has been identified as one of the sub-districts with a high rate of youth facing these social challenges.
“This is why the Deputy Minister Dhlomo adopted it to work with local stakeholders, including youth-led organisations, to raise awareness in efforts to address them.”
Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor Shadrack Gezani Maluleke and other local leaders will join the Deputy Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
