In the heart of Cape Town, SHAWCO Health has been a beacon of hope for underserved communities, offering basic healthcare through its student-run mobile clinics. Yet, through years of close engagement, a realization emerged—many health issues encountered were preventable or misunderstood. Thus arose the imperative question: how could SHAWCO intervene effectively? The answer lies in the vital work of SHAWCO Health Promotion.

How Far We’ve Come In 2023

In February, the health promotion committee launched the “Healthy Living” initiative, which is a monthly recipe series on social media. This series aims to ease access to healthy and budget-friendly recipes to our social media family. Thereafter, the team prepared for the year ahead, during which they would attend our weekday clinics and provide health education and screening to patients, focusing on different conditions each month.

March: TB and Respiratory Infections

March brought the focus to tuberculosis and respiratory infections. The committee traversed weekday clinics, educating patients about these conditions and providing resources. A highlight was the “Quadruple Trouble” workshop held at Wynberg Safe Haven Shelter, where TB, HIV, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension were addressed, yielding a wealth of engagement and insights.

April: Addressing Lifestyle Conditions

April turned the spotlight on lifestyle conditions, pervasive in underserved communities—high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and alcohol abuse. Patients were empowered with information on adopting healthier habits, complemented by the energetic Zumba evening, a fusion of fitness and fun. Additionally, a sexual health talk at Avenue Residence touched upon contraception, STIs, consent, and gender-based violence.

May: Tackling Hypertension

May was dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension. SHAWCO partnered with the African Research Society and the Internal Medicine Society for a World Hypertension Day talk, facilitating crucial discussions on research and healthcare challenges in Africa. Mental health, a vital concern, was addressed at Wynberg Safe Haven Shelter through an informative talk.

June: Menstrual Health Matters

June centred on menstrual health, focusing on destigmatizing and raising awareness about menstruation. The power of knowledge was harnessed to empower communities with the tools they need for managing their health.

Empowering Our Communities

SHAWCO Health Promotion is based on our understanding that health education is a critical aspect of healthcare, and our committee addresses this by taking the time to engage with our communities about health-related issues that are especially relevant in our Cape Town context. This invaluable skill enables our students to connect with and educate those who may otherwise have not had the opportunity to learn. We believe that by sharing this knowledge with our community, we empower them with a tool to take charge of their own health and well-being. We hope that through these education efforts, we can leave our mark by helping create healthier communities and ultimately reducing the burden of disease, one conversation at a time.

-Siyakha Mbhejwa: SHAWCO Health, Head of Marketing