|
Poor access to quality health care is one of the greatest barriers to the realization of education rights in South Africa. Poor health quality impacts negatively on educational access, retention and achievement of young people in the country. Of particular concern is the access of adolescents to appropriate sexual and reproductive health services.
According to WHO, South Africa is currently experiencing a ‘youth health crisis’, partly due to under-nutrition, early child-bearing, high incidence of HIV infection, substance abuse, violence and injuries (WHO 2009). |
|
Our model
|
Health4Life
Schools Health4Life Communities |
This component provides services that ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of young people in schools. Offering the following services:
Life Choices provides friendly mobile HCT services at poorly resourced sites and at accessible times aiming to attract ‘hard to reach’ populations (e.g. men, youth out of school, people that have never been tested, people who dislike clinics). Clients are assisted to develop realistic personal risk reduction plans. All clients are screened for TB and STI’s and referred to other relevant services. Those who are diagnosed as HIV positive or suspected of having TB and/or STIs receive telephonic follow-up calls. Clients diagnosed HIV positive are also offered five free sessions with a local psychologist (prevention with positives). |
Health4Life counsellor giving a session to a learner at a school
Results 2014
8,071 people received HIV Counselling & Testing.
8,072 people screened for TB.
4,967 people screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
958 follow-up sessions conducted.
24 high schools were offered the intervention.
325 learners received one-on-one psychosocial support sessions (805 hours).
158 Gender Based Talks conducted with 1,250 learners.
8,072 people screened for TB.
4,967 people screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
958 follow-up sessions conducted.
24 high schools were offered the intervention.
325 learners received one-on-one psychosocial support sessions (805 hours).
158 Gender Based Talks conducted with 1,250 learners.
our Impact
To measure outcomes, Life Choices used a quasi-experimental design with both treatment and control groups.
Baseline, post-intervention, three months follow-ups questionnaires were compared to assess changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviour.
Results at three months post intervention
|
|
What was the overall feedback from the target group on the project?
100% of the participants felt the service was 'Very Helpful' to them.
97% also indicated that they would recommend Life Choices' services to a friend.
97% also indicated that they would recommend Life Choices' services to a friend.
|
When asked: What are the chances that you will implement the risk reduction plan? |
|
Stories from the field
|
'I still remember the first time I had a session with the Life Choices counsellor in my school. My boyfriend and I, used to have sex almost every Saturday, when my mother was at work, not always using a condom. The Life Choices counsellor didn’t just give me HIV information but helped me to reflect on my life. We discussed my dreams and how my behaviour could affect them negatively. By doing so I realised I had the right answers but I was not doing anything about it. In our next session, we discussed my relationship and questioned if it was a healthy relationship or not. No one had ever asked me those kinds of questions before and at the same time make me feel comfortable answering them honestly. After two months I finally felt empowered to tell my boyfriend that I did not want to have sex and I wanted to focus in my studies. I felt free when I was no longer afraid to lose him. I was certain that if he left me it was because it was never meant to be. After all I deserve the best!' Zeekoevlei High Learner
|
|
'Every time Life Choices Counsellor came to my class I really enjoyed the opportunity to freely ask questions and explore topics that normally adults don’t talk about. It helped me to feel comfortable with myself as a sexual being and know that I can still have self-control.' Nelson Mandela High Learner
|
|
|
'I was diagnosed HIV positive for the first time at my local clinic. I was in shock and in denial for months. I used to see the Life Choices mobile clinic providing services in my community. My neighbours kept talking about how good their services were. After five months, I got the courage and went to them. The counsellor treated me with such respect and made me feel at ease immediately. He explained the disease in such a way that for the first time I could understand what was happening to me. We made a plan that I felt confident about and for the past two years I have followed the guidelines of positive living. Every time I see the Life Choices clinic, I run to find out if my counsellor is there and tell him how well I am doing. If he is not there, I always write a letter to let him know how I’m doing and to thank him. ' Macassa Community Member
|
I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.
~ Joyce Meyer
