Durban — As a 17-year-old girl, Veronicca Ndhlovu faced a discriminatory healthcare system that left her lacking crucial sexual health information, but ten years later, she has transformed that experience into a drive for change.

Now a leader at Shout-It-Now, Ndhlovu advocates for youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services across South Africa. Ndhlovu understands that barriers to accessing these vital services must be dismantled to prevent the shocking reality that teenage pregnancy and HIV among youth are still prevalent.

According to startling statistics, South Africa holds the highest rate of teen pregnancy worldwide. Figures from the 2022/2023 financial year estimate that approximately 150,000 girls aged between 10 and 19 became pregnant, highlighting a sobering truth: many young people are engaging in unprotected sex, often without the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.

Ndhlovu said: “The reality is that these young bodies are not equipped to handle the demands of pregnancy, underlining an urgent need for improved sexual health education and services.”

For Ndhlovu, the drive to be an advocate for change is not just a professional commitment, it is deeply personal.

“Having been that 17-year-old girl who was failed by the public health sector, it is now my privilege to ensure today’s youth receive the support and information they need,” Ndhlovu said.

Ndhlovu said that this collective resilience and determination are fundamental to building a healthier and informed future for South African youth.

Ndhlovu’s personal journey into the healthcare system serves as a glaring reminder of the stigma and judgement that many youths face when seeking help. Her initial experience at a local clinic was marked by invasive questioning and a lack of support, leaving her feeling ashamed and unwelcome.

“Sadly, this is a common narrative for numerous young people today, with many avoiding essential health services for fear of judgement and condemnation,” Ndhlovu said.

The need for youth-friendly spaces, which provide non-judgmental, accessible and comprehensive sexual health information, is urgent.

Shout-It-Now is making strides in this arena by hiring staff primarily from the communities they serve—over 75% of their team is under 35—creating a relatable and trustworthy environment.

“They don’t just offer information; they create open channels of communication through mobile clinics and digital resources, empowering youth with the ability to make informed decisions about their bodies,” Ndhlovu said.

As the second deputy chairperson on South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Health Professionals Civil Society Forum, Ndhlovu is at the forefront of pushing for policies and programmes that tackle the unique barriers young people face.

Her work is encapsulated in the recently released SANAC national strategic plan 2023-2028, aimed at addressing health inequalities, particularly for those living with HIV and TB.

“Young health professionals are crucial to this mission, ensuring that information is relevant and expressed in a language that youth can understand, thereby fostering an environment of trust and empowerment,” Ndhlovu said.

Ndhlovu believes that transforming how sexual health services are delivered to the youth requires a collective effort across all levels of government, NGOs, and community organisations.

‘Open conversations about sexual health cannot remain taboo, they must reflect the realities faced by today's young people,“ Ndhlovu said.

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Health professional empowers youth to take control of their sexual health