Gauteng Health has launched a clinical forensic medical services facility during 16 days of activism in Bekkersdal. "The opening of the Bekkersdal clinical forensic medical services facility will increase the department's capacity in the provision of clinical medico-legal services that are provided to meet the health needs of patients and support the criminal justice system," spokesperson Kwara Kekana is quoted in a News24 report as saying.
"These very specialised services cut across all levels of health-care service delivery, the provision of health care to patients of sexual assault and domestic and other violence is a priority for the department," Kekana added.
The department has noted that domestic and gender-based violence are some of the contexts within which HIV transmission, and non-adherence to treatment take place. "Many women and girls remain are afraid to test and take anti-retroviral treatment because of their partners and families who use shaming tactics to bully and deter them from prioritising their own health, at a cost not only to themselves, but also of the nation," Kekana explained.
News24 reports that considering this stark reality in South Africa, members of the public are encouraged to go to the nearest health facility – preferably within 72 hours – or assault or rape where they will be treated and be given post-exposure prophylaxis. "This helps to ensure that all possible precautions are taken to reduce the chances of HIV being passed on to the survivor," Kekana said.
[link url="https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/gauteng-health-department-launches-forensic-medical-services-facility-to-strengthen-gbv-cases-20191203"]News24 report[/link]