Reproductive Health Month
31 January 2006
Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the national Minister of Health has announced
that as from 2006, February will be designated as National Reproductive Health
Month. The national theme for 2006 is 'Save the nation, strengthen reproductive
health'.
Our communities are currently experiencing a marked increase in unplanned
and unwanted pregnancies, including teenage pregnancy (10% of annual deliveries
are from teenagers) and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. During
2004, 12 000 terminations of pregnancy were performed. Data for 2005 is not yet
available. Therefore couples are urged to make use of the freely available and
effective contraceptive methods at their local health facility, to protect
themselves and each other.
Reproductive Health Month will be launched in the Western Cape at an annual
Reproductive Health Update Seminar on 17 February 2006 at the River Club in
Observatory. The Department of Health will also use this opportunity to launch
the Western Cape Youth Health Z-Card. A variety of activities are scheduled for
February 2006 to celebrate Reproductive Health Month and thus promote and
strengthen reproductive health and health care.
They include:
* World Cancer Day: 4 February
* Condom week: 7 - 14 February
* Sexual Health Awareness Week: 13 - 18 February
* Pregnancy Education Fortnight: 13 - 26 February
* Contraceptive Day: 28 February
The key messages for this intervention include:
* Maternal deaths can be reduced by attending antenatal clinics early in the
pregnancy
* Cervical cancer can be prevented by screening at your nearest clinic
* Treating (sexually transmitted infections) STIs can prevent reproductive
health problems later
* Men's involvement in sexual and reproductive health can make a difference
Useful Toll Free Telephone Numbers for communities to access include:
* Emergency Contraception Hotline: 0800 246 432
* HIV/AIDS Helpline and Lifeline for Depressed Youth: 0800 012 322
* LoveLife Helpline: 0800 121 900 (youth)
* Rape Crisis Helpline: 0800 150 150
* Pregnancy Advice Service: (021) 404 2163 (not toll free)
The Western Cape Provincial Government is committed to reach the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) by focusing on eradicating poverty, achieving
universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women,
reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS and
ensuring environmental sustainability.
South Africa has some of the most liberal legislation globally in terms of
recognising human rights, including sexual and reproductive health rights,
enshrined in the Constitution (Act No.108 of 1996) and the Choice on
Termination of Pregnancy Act (No. 92 of 1996) as amended (Act No. 38 of
2004).
The Department of Health has progressive policies in place, including a
Contraception Policy and Contraception Policy Service Delivery Guidelines,
Cervical Cancer Screening, Policy and Strategy for Implementation of the Choice
on Termination of Pregnancy legislation, Sexual Assault Policy, Management
Guidelines on Sexual Assault Care, Youth and Adolescence Health Policy, School
Health, Policy Guidelines for the Management and Prevention of Genetics
Disorders, Birth Defects and Disability and Maternity Case Records.
Programmes with the aim of reducing maternal and infant mortality are in
place such as the National Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Death
Notification and Peri-natal Problem Identification. Communities have free
access to reproductive health services which include contraceptive services,
maternal health, cervical and breast cancer screening, termination of pregnancy
HIV/AIDS and STIs Contraception (Family Planning).
Family planning is a critical long-term health intervention in the fight
against HIV/AIDS. Ensuring access to quality contraceptive services is the
cornerstone toward improving the health, development and welfare of women, men,
adolescents and children. Contraception is the most effective way to assist
families and individuals to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The challenges of
HIV/AIDS and maternal & infant mortality cannot be fully addressed without
renewed strengthening contraceptive services. The Contraceptive Policy focuses,
inter alia, on the empowerment of women, the active involvement of men in
reproductive health and the need for men and women to make informed
reproductive health choices.
A variety of contraceptive methods are available from all public health
clinics in the province. These include oral contraception (pills), injectables,
intra-uterine devices, male and female condoms, male and female sterilisation
and emergency contraception (EC). Dual protection (DP), the correct and
consistent use of condoms only, or a condom plus another contraceptive method
(backed up by EC, in case of an accident), is emphasised for protection against
both unwanted pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.
Cervical cancer screening programme
Cervical cancer is a leading course of death for women in South Africa.
Research indicates that at least one in every 31 women in South Africa can
develop this cancer during her lifetime. Cervical screening for the early
detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions is a National health priority.
According to the policy guidelines, every woman is entitled to three free
screening tests in her lifetime at around 30, 40, and 50 years of age. The
service is available at all primary health care clinics.
Termination of Pregnancy (TOP)
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (No.92 of 1996) states that a
woman of any age may have a pregnancy terminated on request by a trained nurse
or doctor, up to 12 weeks gestation period. A pregnancy may be terminated from
13 to 20 weeks of gestation if the continued pregnancy would pose a risk to the
women's physical, psychological, social or economic health. A woman with an
unwanted pregnancy should access the service from her nearest primary health
care clinic.
For further information contact:
* World Cancer Day: Ms Marco at 012 689 5347
* Condom week: Ms L Mzilikazi at 012 483 3116
* Sexual Health Awareness Week: Ms Adamo, at 021, 4832684 or Mr Burzelman (021)
9181647
* Pregnancy Education Fortnight: Ms E Arends at 021 483 2680
* Contraceptive Day: Mr R Burzelman t 021 918 1647
Enquiries:
Ms Marie Adamo
Deputy Director: Reproductive Health
Tel: (021) 483 2684
E-mail: madamo@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
31 January 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
