In a quest to bring health services closer to the people, the City’s Health Department, in partnership with the Desmond Tutu Foundation, hosted a health-awareness drive at Afrika Tikkun (Zolile Malindi Community Centre) in Mfuleni on Friday 11 April.
Among other things, they conducted HIV/Aids tests, blood-pressure tests, diabetes tests, family planning, pap smear, deworming, immunisation and mental-health screening.
Sister Buziwe Gqibisa of the Dr Ivan Toms Community Day Care described the event as educational.
She said the aim is to encourage people to prioritise their health. Gqibisa said regular wellness talks are given in which people are educated about their well-being.
“We noted that people don’t come to the clinic for different reasons. There are those who don’t come because they live too far, while others complain our facilities are always full.
Today we are bringing the services closer to them. Besides examining people we also empower them with knowledge on how to look after themselves.”
According to Gqibisa one challenge is women come to the facility during labour, and it doesn’t have the equipment to deliver babies.
“We understand people come to the clinic because it is closer to them. And when we fall short of their needs we refer them to the Khayelitsha District Hospital.”
Resident Khonzekile Bhobho described the campaign as helpful. He reiterated the importance of seeing a professional doctor during pregnancy.
“I’m here to do HIV testing just to know my status,” he said. “It is something I do every now and then when I have a chance. It is important to know yourself.”
