01 Jun 2014

The nursing officer in charge of Youth Friendly Clinic (YFC) at Tutume Primary Hospital, Mr Baleseng Mackenzie has urged youth in Tutume and other surrounding villages to make use of services offered at the clinic.

Mr Mackenzie noted in an interview recently that pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other health related issues remained a challenge amongst the youth, therefore the youth friendly clinic was meant to address such challenges.

He said YFC provided health services designed to serve and address the sexual reproductive health needs of young people aged between 10 and 29 years, both sexes, who were in and out of school. He also said YFCs were also meant to serve the youth in a conducive, welcoming and friendly environment.

The nursing officer noted that services offered at the clinic include pregnancy testing, post abortion counselling, family planning, general consultation, antenatal and post natal care, information on safe sex and reproductive health, STI diagnosis and referral and counseling on violence and abuse.

Mr Mackenzie said youth should be free to consult health workers on any health related issue. 

“Health workers at YFC are oriented on how to create conducive environment for youths and they are equipped with skills to serve youth in a welcoming environment,” he said.

He further advised that youth should always go for a routine medical checkup and screening for various diseases. 

Mr Mackenzie said medical checkup is the only way in which they can know of their illness at an early stage.

“People, especially youth, are reluctant to visit health clinics for medical attention, they stay home yet they know they are not well and only come to the clinic when the situation had gone bad,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Mackenzie encouraged the community at large to know their HIV statuses so as to fight the HIV and AIDS pandemic. 

He said people are aware of the modes of HIV transmission but their behavior and attitude has not changed. 

Furthermore, he said people should heed the message of Safe Male Circumcision (SMC), abstinence, consistent and proper use of condoms.

Meanwhile, Mr Mackenzie said the battle against HIV and AIDS should not be left to be the responsibility of the government alone, noting that the government plays a crucial role in ensuring that people infected get adequate and proper medication.

For that reason, he said community leaders, village committees and other stakeholders should find means to also play a role in the battle. 

He cited that families with ill members should show support, accompany ill members for checkups and encourage them to adhere to the prescribed medication.

Mr Mackenzie further said if stakeholders and families continue to play a role, issues of stigma and discrimination can be dealt with. 

He also said myths and cultural beliefs towards other communicable diseases can be addressed. Ends