National Reproductive Health Month | Western Cape Government

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National Reproductive Health Month

30 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 '06 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 includes:

  • 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 STI's 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 2 46 4 32
  • 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 (MDG's) 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 recognizing 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 sexually transmitted infections (S.T.I.s)

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 sterilization 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 emphasized for protection against both unwanted pregnancy and S.T.I.s, including HIV.

Cervical Cancer Screening Programme
Cervical cancer is a leading cause 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 precancerous 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 13-20 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 Tel: 012 689 5347
Condom week: Ms L Mzilikazi Tel: 012 483 3116
Sexual Health Awareness Week: Ms Adamo, Tel: 021 4832684 or Mr Burzelman 021 9181647
Pregnancy Education Fortnight: Ms E Arends Tel: 021 483 2680
Contraceptive Day: Mr. R Burzelman Tel: 021 918 1647

Enquiries:
Ms Marie Adamo,
Deputy Director: Reproductive Health, Western Cape Provincial Department of Health
Tel: 021 483 2684,
Email: madamo@pgwc.gov.za

Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
Email: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za

Media Enquiries: