'A more focused and friendly approach to the provision of health services to young people is needed at a time when it is widely recognised that this demographic group struggles with access to health care and with adherence to treatment.

‘Some of the challenges which have been identified include a lack of understanding of the dynamics that face young people and the needs that they have, how perceived or real stigma impacts on healthcare stigma; and service waiting times,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Young people are at particular risk due to the high youth unemployment rate; the burden of the HIV epidemic; and the contribution that violence and injury makes to the risk factors that they experience.

'Adding to these factors, the epidemic of non-communicable diseases is increasingly affecting young people leading to premature mortality. Yet, the youth faces specific barriers to accessing our health system,' said Councillor Badroodien.

City Health has identified a number of initiatives to address this, which include:

• All health facilities will adopt one or more high schools for monthly outreaches, where possible, offering health services at the school or at another City facility such as at a library or a community hall
• All facilities will have a dedicated nurse to fast-track young people daily from 14:00 to 16:00
• Posters will be displayed indicating the integrated services offered; the times that the services are offered; the name of the dedicated nurse; and the room where it takes place
• A youth health champion will be nominated per sub-district. The champion will be tasked with developing a plan to improve compassion to better understand the factors that are affecting youth healthcare and to encourage non-judgemental attitudes from staff towards young people
• All clinics will participate more actively in the planning and execution of transversal events and campaigns that focus on young people

'During this time of transition from childhood to adulthood, loosely defined between 10 to 24 years old, young people are faced with high physical, emotional and social demands which have a major impact on them. This is a testing period for them, their families, teachers, healthcare providers and society as a whole. City Health recognises these challenges and we want to make it easier for the youth in general to take charge of their own well-being,' said Councillor Badroodien.

Cape Town has a large footprint of health facilities where relevant services can be accessed free of charge.

'However, more needs to be done to increase the use of services by young people if we are to reduce teenage pregnancy rates and unplanned pregnancies in general, as well as improve enrolment and retention in antiretroviral care,' said Councillor Badroodien.

To coincide with Youth Month in June, the youth-friendly health services will be launched in Khayelitsha on Friday 14 June 2019 at 14:00.

Kuyasa Community Day Centre in Khayelitsha is among a number of City Health facilities that has already managed to attract a significant number of young people to attend their services with the implementation of the fast-lane services in the afternoons.

Other health facilities that have distinguished themselves in drawing higher attendances from young people are Crossroads 1, Bloekombos, Fisantekral, Mayenzeke, Nyanga and Wesbank.

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