New wellness vending machines have been launched all over SA
The Health Department recently launched the first new wellness vending machine. Here is everything you should know about how the machine will work.
The Health Department recently launched the first new wellness vending machine. Here is everything you should know about how the machine will work.
HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW VENDING MACHINES
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale says this vending machine is the first of its kind in South Africa.
“It is part of the ongoing efforts to improve uptake of various methods of contraception in response to the scourge of teenage pregnancy in the country.”
WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THESE MACHINES?
The new wellness vending machines will offer the following:
- Sanitary towels,
- Various test kits, including for pregnancy and HIV,
- A range of oral contraceptives (such as Nordette, Triphasil, Microval, Ovral, and Emergency contraceptives/Morning after pill).
- Condoms – Male and female
- Lubricants
HOW WILL THE VENDING MACHINES WORK?
The Health Department states that they are piloting a three-step system for the new wellness vending machines.
Mohale says the first step to using the machines involves calling a toll-free call centre number or sending a “please call me” for a medical professional to phone you back.
“Once they have screened you and taken you through different types of contraceptives and HIV prevention methods, then you will choose which one will be suitable.
“They will then give you a code, and you will take it to the machine. At the machine, you punch in the code, and that particular contraceptive of your choice will come out.” he said.
THE VENDING MACHINES WILL HELP THOSE WHO WORK LONG HOURS
Mohale furthermore says the vending machines will help those who work long hours, are unable to go to a local clinic, or are afraid of the judgmental attitudes of some healthcare workers.
“We render these services free of charge, so we are working closely with provincial departments of Health to ensure that they always refill these machines.”
OR FOR THOSE AFRAID OF JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDES
On Wednesday, they launched the first machine at the Mthatha Ultra City in the Eastern Cape.
The unveiling of the Self-Care Wellness Vending Machines for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services in Mthatha, the first of its kind in South Africa, in one of five piloting provinces, targeting girls and women of child-bearing age to reduce unplanned pregnancies. pic.twitter.com/abxapLmBlV
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) April 11, 2024
Mohale added that this initiative is targeting girls and women of childbearing to increase access to Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV prevention services and reduce unplanned pregnancies, which lead to unsafe abortions.
WHERE WILL YOU FIND THESE VENDING MACHINES?
As part of the pilot project, the department will install 13 vending machines in five provinces at universities, shopping centers, and other areas with a high concentration of youth.
“These will be placed at easy-to-access and busy public areas such institutions of higher learning, mall or shopping centres, SASSA points, etc across the country.” Mohale said.
He said South Africa has witnessed an alarming surge in adolescent pregnancies in the past three years (2020-2023). This is with more than 11 500 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years having delivered babies in public health facilities.
Meanwhile, in other news, a sterile lubricating gel Lubri A was RECALLED by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) late last year.
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