Download PDFEldorado Park residents are raising concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancies in the community. Many are asking the same question: if local clinics are available, why do these problems persist?
Community members believe the issue goes beyond simply having healthcare facilities. They say access to healthcare means little if young people do not receive adequate education, support, and timely medical attention.
Residents have voiced concerns that some young people feel discouraged from visiting clinics because they fear being judged or treated disrespectfully. Others complain about long waiting times, staff shortages, and limited awareness campaigns focusing on sexual and reproductive health. While local clinics provide services such as HIV testing, STI treatment, contraception, and family planning, many believe these services are not reaching enough people through consistent community outreach.
Parents and community leaders also acknowledge that the problem cannot be blamed solely on healthcare facilities. A lack of open communication at home, peer pressure, substance abuse, poverty, and misinformation about contraception all contribute to risky sexual behaviour among young people.
“There are clinics in our community, but many young people either don’t go or don’t feel comfortable asking for help,” said Jacqueline. “We need healthcare workers to engage more with schools and the community so that young people understand the importance of protecting themselves.”
As STIs and teenage pregnancies remain a concern for many families in the community, residents believe that healthcare providers, schools, parents, community organisations, and young people themselves must work together. Only through education, accessible healthcare, and open communication can Eldorado Park begin to address these challenges.
This article was submitted on 10 July 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
