EC Health condemns learner pregnancy, urges parents to guide teens

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has used its provincial commemoration of STI, Condom and Pregnancy Awareness Week in Sterkspruit to renew calls for stronger parental guidance and youth-friendly healthcare access, while condemning teenage pregnancy among learners.

Speaking to hundreds of people gathered at the Bensonvale Multipurpose Hall, the department’s Deputy Director-General for District Health Services, Ms Miyakazi Nokwe, said: “No child between the ages of 10 and 19 should fall pregnant.” She urged parents and families to play a more active role in educating children about sexual health and responsible decision-making.

Nokwe warned that while teenagers increasingly have access to digital devices, those tools should not replace real conversations at home. She called for open, honest discussions between parents and children about sexual behaviour, saying families should not place the responsibility only on government services.

“While teenagers have access to digital devices that can be educational tools, parents must have open and honest conversations about sexual behaviour,” she said. Nokwe added that families must work together with health services to strengthen “moral guidance and awareness at home”, and encouraged parents — particularly mothers — to speak boldly and transparently so that values taught at home can guide young people when they face peer pressure.

Nokwe said the Department of Health remained ready to support young people through public healthcare facilities which provide what she described as a “comprehensive basket of services”.

Youth Zone opened at Sterkspruit Town Clinic

The event also marked the official opening of the Sterkspruit Town Clinic Youth Zone, a dedicated space aimed at improving access to healthcare for adolescents and young people.

The Youth Zone forms part of the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) programme, one of the strategies used by government to make health services more accessible and appropriate for young people.

The Executive Mayor of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Councillor Nomvuyo Mphoselwa, officially opened the facility and encouraged young people to use the services designed specifically for them.

“Youth Zones were established to provide a safe, private, and supportive space for young people accessing primary healthcare services,” Mphoselwa said. She explained that the initiative responds to concerns that many adolescents feel judged or uncomfortable when seeking care, and aims to ensure young people can access youth-friendly services without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Health officials have consistently highlighted that youth-focused spaces can help remove barriers that keep young people from seeking help early — whether for sexual and reproductive healthcare, counselling, testing services, or general health concerns. The Sterkspruit Youth Zone is intended to provide that environment within routine clinic services.

“Services on wheels” brings healthcare directly to the community

A major feature of the Sterkspruit programme was the deployment of 18 mobile clinics, which brought on-site services to learners and the broader community.

According to the information shared by the department, services offered included:

• Dental services

• Ophthalmic (eye) services

• TB screening and testing

• HIV testing services

• STI screening and management

• Family planning services

• PrEP initiation

• Cervical cancer screening

• Age-appropriate health education

• Child health services and immunisation

Organisers described the approach as “services on wheels”, aimed at ensuring learners and community members could access essential healthcare conveniently and free of charge.

The focus on accessible services aligns with the broader public health message of prevention and early support — including encouraging people to test, to seek advice early, and to use protective and preventative options available at clinics.

Theme: “United Action for Triple Elimination”

The Sterkspruit awareness event was held under the theme “United Action for Triple Elimination”, linked to the department’s stated commitment to reducing new HIV infections, STIs, and teenage pregnancies.

Organisers said the Bensonvale Multipurpose Hall — which can host up to 600 people — was filled to capacity, and that the campaign was welcomed with enthusiasm.

A notable feature of the turnout was that the majority of attendees were learners from 21 schools across Sterkspruit, mainly from Grades 9 to 11. The strong school presence was described as a positive sign for awareness efforts that rely on youth participation, education, and access to accurate information.

Collaboration highlighted as key

In its messaging, the department emphasised collaboration between government, schools, parents, and communities as essential to tackling health challenges affecting young people.

The Sterkspruit programme brought together health education, direct service delivery, and the opening of a youth-friendly clinic space — all aimed at reducing stigma, improving knowledge, and making services easier to reach.

For parents and caregivers, the department’s message was clear: health services can provide support and care, but conversations at home remain crucial. For young people, the Youth Zone and mobile services were positioned as options for confidential, supportive healthcare that meets them where they are.