​Nozipho Tshazwa
 
In a proactive effort to reduce preventable maternal and child mortality, curb mother-to-child HIV transmission, and promote informed fertility choices, the Ekurhuleni District Health Services recently hosted a comprehensive awareness campaign at Phola Park Clinic.
The campaign focused o n the critical public health issue of Maternal, Child and Women's Health, aiming to empower women with knowledge about family planning and the importance of spacing childbirth. Attendees were educated on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of pregnancy, including health assessments, prevention of complications, and management of existing medical conditions.
The district's decision to prioritise maternal and child health was guided by research findings indicating that many women are unaware of the importance of early antenatal care booking—ideally before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Late bookings often result in delayed detection of complications and postponed medical intervention, which can lead to severe outcomes, including maternal and infant mortality.
The awareness campaign served as a valuable platform for healthcare professionals to share best practices and support women throughout their pregnancy journey. In addition to educational sessions, the event offered a wide range of health services, including HIV Testing Services (HTS), PrEP initiation, cervical and prostate cancer screenings, breast exams, mammograms provided by the Pink Drive, and access to all available family planning methods.
Local resident Nobuhle Mkheshane expressed her appreciation for the initiative. She showed gratitude towards the clinic for putting together such an informative event.
"There were many aspects of raising my baby that I hadn't considered, but attending this campaign has given me guidance on how to be a better parent. 
"During pregnancy, there are several myths within our black communities that we tend to believe, and some of them can be harmful to the child. Engaging with health professionals in such an open and accessible environment helped me gain valuable knowledge about parenting and pregnancy," said Mkheshane.
Highlighting the importance of the Youth, Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services, Professional Nurse Naso Thobejane encouraged young people to utilise available resources.
"Young people can visit their nearest clinic where youth-friendly services are available. Health promoters are present in all clinics to provide information to people of all age groups. Pamphlets are available for reading, and clinicians are always ready to share information during consultations."
Through initiatives like this, the Ekurhuleni District Health Services continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and families in the community.