Basic antenatal care top of the class in women's health
09 August 2025
In the last financial year, 75,1% of pregnant clients booked their first antenatal visit before 20 weeks at City clinics – a key milestone in improving both maternal and child health outcomes. City Health reminds women that it provides a range of services tailored to their needs.
‘Through compassionate, quality care, our services continue to support women throughout all life’s stages. City Health is proud to continue providing quality, person-centred services that recognise and respect the role of women in building a healthier Cape Town. We are incredibly proud of the uptake of basic antenatal care, and I encourage women to make the most of the rest of our service offering,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Access to sexual and reproductive health remains a cornerstone of City Health care, even though there was a slight drop (two percent) year-on-year in the number of women who visited facilities for contraceptives.
The department also recorded a 30% drop in cervical smears, with just over 14 500 women presenting for this critical screening for early detection and timely treatment of ovarian cancer.
‘There are a number of reasons why women are not going for this important health check and it includes a lack of awareness, fear of pain or results, stigma, myths that screening is only needed when symptoms are present, and access barriers such as long waiting times. Cervical screening is vital because it detects precancerous changes in the cervix early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing cervical cancer, which is highly preventable when caught early. To this end, City Health is ramping up awareness drives and events. Cervical cancer is preventable – a simple pap smear can save your life. If you are 30 years or older, visit your nearest clinic for a free screening, even if you feel healthy,’ said Councillor Higham.
Recognising that health goes beyond the physical, 13 community day centres (CDCs) now provide mental health screening and referrals, offering women early support and pathways to care. Awareness-raising around gender-based violence continues to be prioritised, with staff trained to provide information and appropriate referrals.
City Health also addresses non-communicable diseases, with regular screening and treatment support for conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. This forms part of our comprehensive package of care, which also includes HIV, TB, and STI services.
At a women’s health event in Khayelitsha yesterday, clients were treated to uplifting songs, informative health talks, practical guidance from the environmental health team and energising group exercises.
Upcoming women’s wellness events take place on 14 August at the Commission Assembly Church in Bayview and on 15 August at the Meadowridge Library.
Both events will start at 09:00. Interested persons can attend on the days in question or alternatively, anyone seeking more information on Women’s Health can consult their nearest clinic.
Caption 1: At the women’s health event in Khayelitsha yesterday, 8 August, residents made use of the opportunity to get free health checks.
Caption 2: At the event were Councillor Francine Higham, Joyce Witbooi, Vuyiswa Marubelela and Pumza Jongwana from Reach for Recovery.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
