Promoting Women's Health

July, August and September are Women's Health season in the Western Cape Health Department. During this time, all primary health care services focus attention on promoting the health and wellness of women.

Women across the province are encouraged to make use of services designed to protect women against key health risks: screening for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer; contraceptive choices for protection against unwanted pregnancy, HIV & other STI's; free pregnancy testing and comprehensive ante-natal care.

A series of 'women's health open days' at facilities in all districts are complemented by drives in communities to inform and empower women to access these and other services to protect their health.

During and after National Women's Day on 9 August 2009, the Department, together with local stakeholders will embark on a series of community dialogues around the theme 'Let's talk about Women's Health!' These will address teenagers and adult women in the Atlantis area and aim to promote access and use of services to meet the primary health needs of girls and women in the area.

The 'Let's talk about women's health!' dialogue series is planned to include other areas and continue until and during the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women & Children in November and December 2009.

Issued by the Directorate: Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health.

Contact:
Sithembiso Magubane
Cell: 073 662 5482