A total of 380 young women accessed health services during the launch of Tiko’s Take 2 initiative at the Orange Farm Multipurpose Centre, marking a significant community outreach effort aimed at improving access to healthcare and opportunities for young women.
The initiative brought sexual and reproductive health services closer to the community, including family planning, HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation.
Beyond healthcare, the programme also focused on young women’s future prospects by providing access to career guidance, mentorship and learnership opportunities.
The Orange Farm launch was attended by Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, community leaders and healthcare partners, bringing together government, community stakeholders and organisations working to improve access to services.
Tiko South Africa Country Director Sheilla Benyera said reaching hundreds of young women in one day demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.
“380 young women accessed real health services in a single day in Orange Farm, that is 380 futures given a stronger foundation,” said Benyera.
She added that the involvement of government and community stakeholders was important in addressing barriers that prevent young women from accessing healthcare.
“Having Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, community leaders and healthcare partners stand alongside us shows that when government, community and organisations like Tiko work together, we can remove the barriers that too often stand between a girl and the care she deserves,” she said.
Benyera said the launch was only the beginning of Tiko’s work in the area.
“This is just the start for Orange Farm, and we are committed to walking this journey with the community, every step of the way,” she said.
The Take 2 initiative is being launched across Gauteng and combines access to sexual and reproductive healthcare with services intended to support young people as they plan for their education, careers and futures.
