Clean Touch marked National Youth Day with a community health outreach in Orange Farm, bringing together healthcare organisations to encourage residents to take charge of their wellbeing while placing special focus on men’s health.
The outreach offered free HIV testing, STI and TB screening, mental health screening, family planning services, health education, condom distribution and referrals for further medical care.
Thulani Shabangu from Shout It Now said the organisation used the event to encourage people, especially young people, to know their HIV status and access preventative healthcare.
“We provide HIV testing, PrEP for HIV prevention, family planning services and counselling. We also have social workers who support people facing challenges, including gender-based violence, and refer them to the appropriate services,” he said.
Shabangu added that the event also highlighted the importance of mental health, encouraging residents to seek help when facing emotional or psychological challenges.
While the programme catered for the broader community, men’s health remained a key focus. Mandlakhe Shezi of the Coroman Men Forum said many men continue to avoid clinics and delay seeking medical attention.
“Our role is to encourage men to speak openly about their challenges and to get tested regularly for HIV, prostate cancer, high blood pressure and other conditions. There should no longer be fear of visiting a clinic,” said Shezi.
Organisers said the National Youth Day outreach was aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing disease through early screening and ensuring that residents are linked to the healthcare and support services they need.
