A recent Child Health Clinic Open Day in Cape Town brought vital healthcare services to approximately 100 children from Philippi and surrounding communities. The event, organised in partnership with the University of Cape Town and SHAWCO, provided hearing screenings, primary healthcare, and other health services to those in need.
Early Childhood Healthcare in Under-Resourced Communities
Linda Mathumbu, a mother from Eersterivier, attended the open day with her two young children. After an audio screening, she discovered that both children had difficulties with hearing, which was affecting their speech. Mathumbu also took advantage of the screening services available for parents and received medication for her back pain.
According to the executive director of the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP), Glenda Shupinyaneng, limited access to preventative healthcare in Philippi often affects both parents and children. This can lead to situations where children miss immunisations or do not receive the vitamins and health checks they need.
Supporting Early Childhood Development
SAEP currently supports about 146 early childhood development centres, reaching more than 7,000 children. The organisation also operates a Child at Risk Unit, where teachers can contact social auxiliary workers if they suspect a child may need support or medical attention. Some of the issues that these workers deal with daily include child neglect, child abuse, late birth registration, and malnutrition.
The following are some of the services provided at the Child Health Clinic Open Day:
- Hearing screenings for children
- Primary healthcare services
- Occupational therapy sessions
- Speech therapy sessions
- Screening services for parents
Events like the Child Health Clinic Open Day are crucial in highlighting the importance of early childhood healthcare in under-resourced communities and demonstrating how partnerships can help improve access to services.
