| by Antoinette Stafford Cloete (Health Systems Trust Communications
Manager)
Every year, South Africa commemorates its youth on June 16. This was the day in 1976 the youth of Soweto rose up against the oppressive apartheid regime and was a touchstone in terms of mobilising youth and other groups in the fight for equality. That may have been over 40 years ago, but the struggle is far from over for our young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines youth as those between 15–24 years of age; adolescents fall within the 10–14 age grouping. In South Africa, the National Youth Policy defines youth as all those who fall within the 14–35 year age range. Factors affecting youth and their health are wide-ranging and on the rise. According to the WHO the main health issues are: Injuries due to violence: this includes road traffic accidents, drowning, interpersonal violence and self-harm. I would include conflict in this category since, increasingly, people are displaced and affected by wars. Maternal conditions: many youth fall pregnant and die from illnesses while pregnant and during delivery. World-wide there were 42 births per 1000 girls aged 15–19 years. In South Africa the Health Systems Trust's (HST's) District Health Barometer has more detailed information on the situation in our country. Mental health challenges: many remain undiagnosed and untreated and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety are most prevalent and onset is generally in the early teens. Because many cases are left undiagnosed and untreated or inadequately treated, many youth feel set adrift and the continued sense of isolation (due to poverty, stigma, exclusion) may sometimes lead to a desperate response culminating in suicide which has also been on the rise. Substance abuse: underage drinking has increased dramatically with more than a quarter of youth aged 15–19 who are regular consumers of alcohol, translating to about 155 million young people. The relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and violence and traffic accidents has been proven time and again. Cannabis consumption amongst young people has also increased as has the consumption of tobacco and e-cigarettes. Infectious diseases: HIV has been on the increase amongst youth, especially young women. The Health Systems Trust's Unfinished Business (UB) for Paediatric and Adolescent HIV, located in KwaZulu-Natal focuses on a "Getting to Zero" strategy in the districts it supports with the aim of ending the HIV pandemic by 2030 looking at early diagnosis of children and adolescents with HIV, TB and malnutrition by increasing testing and case-finding to reach 90% of youth living with HIV and to improve linkages to treatment and support. HPV is another challenge many young women are faced with. Cancer: because of factors like pollution, poor diet and stress amongst others, cancers like leukaemia, thyroid-, brain-, testicular- and other cancers have affected young people. It is important for caregivers and youth to know what to look out for and what regular checks they can perform as part of self-care such as regular breast examinations. HST's Cervical Cancer Prevention, Access and Control (CCPAC) Programme, seeks to address the challenge of cervical cancer incidence and mortality by improving access to early screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative services in Zululand. Chronic lung disorders: environmental factors have played a huge role with regards to the increase of asthma, sinus disorders, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis and pneumonia. Obesity and underweight: many youth enter adolescence undernourished which affects their body's ability to fight opportunistic diseases and affects their cognitive function impacting negatively on their learning. A poor diet rich in empty calories (because of processed foods), and the lack of physical activity also puts young people at risk for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and diabetes.
Our youth have a lot to contend with. Their challenges are very real and requires our support and understanding. Those who are no longer youth have left a shoddy legacy for the young people of today. We have destroyed the environment and have been poor custodians for health. There are many structures who are trying to make a difference through their programmes and a few are mentioned below. There are many others. Do a search in the area you would like more information on and I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. Young person or caregiver, you can also email HST on hst@hst.org.za for queries. Best wishes for a good Youth Day! Youth Day, 16 June, and Youth Month in South Africa Health Systems Trust and its programmes Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) SA Federation for Mental Health
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