Cape Town’s public health clinics have recorded a significant milestone in maternal care, with 75.1% of pregnant women booking their first antenatal visit before 20 weeks in the last financial year.
The early booking rate is crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes, yet concerns remain over declining cervical cancer screenings and contraceptive visits.
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, praised the progress in antenatal care but urged women to take advantage of free, life-saving screenings, especially for cervical cancer, where tests dropped by 30% compared to the previous year.
The City of Cape Town’s health department highlighted that early antenatal visits help detect complications sooner, leading to better care for mothers and babies. However, while maternal health services show improvement, other critical areas, like contraceptive access and cervical smears, are seeing worrying declines.
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Only 14,500 women underwent cervical screenings last year, despite the test being a key tool in preventing cervical cancer, which is treatable if caught early, as noted by the City of Cape Town. Councillor Higham attributed the low turnout to fear, stigma, and misinformation, with some women believing screenings are only necessary if symptoms appear.
‘A simple pap smear can save your life,’ Higham emphasized. ‘If you’re 30 or older, visit your nearest clinic, even if you feel healthy.’
Recognizing that women’s health extends beyond physical care, City Health has expanded mental health screenings at 13 community day centres, offering referrals for those in need. The department also continues gender-based violence awareness programs, training staff to provide support and guide women to appropriate services.
Additionally, clinics offer screenings for hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and TB, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.
To encourage more women to prioritize their health, City Health is hosting wellness events in August:
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14 August – Commission Assembly Church, Bayview
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15 August – Meadowridge Library
Both events start at 9am and will feature health talks, screenings, and fitness activities
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Picture: City of Cape Town/ Facebook
