31 May 2007
The Minister of Health in the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Manto
Tshabalala-Msimang, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Sibusiso Ndebele, the MEC for
Community Safety Mr Bheki Cele, and his worship the Mayor Obed Mlaba will send
off the participants in the annual Abstinence Walk to encourage young people to
use abstinence as a disease and unwanted pregnancy prevention method and hereby
extend an invitation to the media to attend, participate and cover the
event.
Background
The Abstinence Walk is a programme supported by the Department of Health in
partnership with the Centre of Hope, which is held annually to encourage
abstinence as a prevention method for disease and unwanted pregnancies. The
focus on young people is because of their vulnerability to social, physical and
psychological abuse. There are challenges facing young people worldwide and in
South Africa, such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV.
They face also problems of suicide, teenage pregnancy as well as alcohol and
substance abuse. These contribute to the high rate of morbidity and mortality
amongst the young people, between 14 to 24 years both in rural and urban
areas.
It is the responsibility of all of us, young and old, to take control of our
lives by respecting our bodies and taking care of our health. For young people
in particular it is important that they get involved in various sports and
recreational activities that assist to channel their energies positively and
maintain optimal health.
Risk behaviour has a negative impact on the health of young people which may
interfere with the developmental stages of their life. For example abusing
alcohol could lead to unprotected sex, unprotected sex may lead to unplanned
pregnancies, STIs as well as HIV infections. These health problems may leave
the progress towards academic achievements.
Abstinence can benefit young people in the following ways:
* good academic performance and achievement of future goals
* free from sexual transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies
* no risk of unplanned pregnancies
* free from psycho-social problems resultant from risky behaviours
* informed choices and good decision-making skills.
How can we all assist or support this health promoting practice?
Government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil
society have a huge responsibility to assist, guide, protect and empower young
people with knowledge and coping skills on how to deal with daily challenges
facing them. Through joint interventions, young people will be able to
understand the various risks and take responsibility to practice positive
lifestyles that contribute to the moral regeneration of this country.
The communities, families and young people also have the responsibility to
regenerate the moral fibre of our society.
The Department of Health has embarked on various strategies to promote and
improve the health status of young people in South Africa. These strategies aim
at ensuring that all healthcare facilities are accessible and their services
are relevant to young people. The implementation of the National Adolescent
Clinic Initiative (NAFCI) is one such example. Health workers in primary health
facilities are trained to treat young people with respect and dignity and
respond to their basic health needs.
The message and advice to young people of KwaZulu-Natal is that for those
who have started engaging in sexual practices, it is not too late to reverse
your actions and abstain. To those who have not started, please delay and
postpone until you are more mature and responsible enough to cope with the
consequences of your choice, actions and decision.
There is a great need for all South Africans to join hands to improve the
health and lives of our young people. Young people are our future leaders and
as a country we are challenged to empower them with all skills needed to take
informed decisions.
The walk will follow the following stages:
Start of walk:
2 June 2007
King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi
Official send off:10h00 to 12h00
Public addresses at the following areas:
Uthungulu District
4 June 2007
Ngwelezane Stadium
08h00 â 10h00
4 June 2007
Esikhawini Mall
eSikhwawini
11h30 â 13h00
4 June 2007
University of Zululand
13h00 â 16h00
5 June 2007
Richards Bay to Nseleni
06h30 â 07h30
Umkhanyakude District
5 June 2007
Mtubatuba Town
10h30 â 12h30
5 June 2007
KwaMsane Stadium
13h00 â 16h00
6 June 2007
Mbazwana Multi Purpose Centre
08h00 â 11h00
6 June 2007
Mseleni Hospital
Sports Grounds
13h00 â 16h00
Kindly return all documentation when replying
7 June 2007
Skhemelele School
08h00 â 10h00
7 June 2007
Manguzi Sports Ground
13h00 â 16h00
Zululand District
8 June 2007
Jozini Municipal Offices
08h00 â 10h00
8 June 2007 Pongola
Ncotshane Stadium
12h00 â 16h00
(Isilo samabandla King Zwelithini Zulu, MEC for Health, Mayor)
For more information please contact:
Ms Sebe Zwane
Cell: 078 447 9611
Mr Themba Ndabandaba
Cell: 082 253 3200
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
31 May 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
