Zuko Komisa

EC launches “contraceptive vending machine” to combat teenage pregnancy.
The Self-Care Wellness Vending Machine is being formally launched today, Wednesday 10 April at Mthatha Ultra City, Nelson Mandela Drive in the Eastern Cape, to help curb the rising number of teenage pregnancies.
According to the Department of Health, vending machines will be placed at easy-to-access and busy public areas such as institutions of higher learning, malls or shopping centers, and SASSA points across the country.
Over 11,500 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 delivered babies in public health facilities in South Africa during the past three years (2020–2023), marking an alarming increase in adolescent pregnancies.
The department further says this vending machine is the first of its kind in South Africa. It is a component of the continuous initiatives to increase the adoption of various contraceptive techniques in response to the national crisis of adolescent pregnancy.
“These vending machines will carry a variety of oral contraceptives (such as Nordette, Triphasil, Microval, Ovral, and Emergency contraceptives/Morning after pill) and HIV prevention (such as HIV Self-testing kit, Lubricants, Male and female condoms, Pregnancy test and Sanitary towels)’
OR Tambo District Deputy Mayor in the Eastern Cape Mrs. N. Sokhanyile, welcomed the Deputy Minister, Dr S. Dhlomo, and Eastern Cape MEC, Ms N. Meth, during the briefing in this morning ahead of the launch of self-care wellness vending machines for SRHR & HIV prevention services pic.twitter.com/nzOGGK35sl
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) April 10, 2024
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