Second-year Nursing students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), led by Dr Silingene Ngcobo, conducted a significant community intervention to assist homeless women in the Point settlement of Durban.
This aligns with the Discipline’s (Nursing) Community Nursing programme focused on health promotion and disease prevention. The intervention is driven by the diverse issues identified by students at the start of the year, during which they (students) conduct a community profile and remain engaged with it (community) until September, when they may begin to address the actual problem. The students selected homeless women as the focus of their intervention due to the myriad obstacles faced by this group, such as unplanned pregnancies, inadequate access to healthcare, prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and unsafe living conditions.
The event, which saw the participation of numerous local community stakeholders, took place at the area’s Ward Councillor’s office. Present among stakeholders were women from local shelters, including Payless, House of Life, and Siphilisiwe Soup Kitchen; members of the mobile health clinic team from Addington Gateway Clinic; representatives from SAPS Point Police Station; and Mr Nkululeko Bhanda who represented the local ward councillor.
The students collaborated with the Addington Gateway Clinic’s Outreach team which consisted of Mr Bafana Mpofana, Ms Gugu Nxumalo and SAPS Point Police Station to implement a significant community intervention aimed at addressing the sexual reproductive health services, safety, and medication adherence requirements of homeless women. Critical health and safety information was conveyed through several ways, including demonstration, song, dance, and role-playing. Upon conclusion of the intervention, each woman received an assortment of resources corresponding to the intervention’s theme. Additionally, a range of health services were provided to the group on-site via the mobile health clinic throughout the day.
Sergeant Ntombifikile Qwabe and Constable Ravi Buran from the Point Police Station addressed critical issues regarding road safety and personal protection for homeless women. Clear procedures for reporting incidents to the police station were outlined, along with the numerous services offered at the station, emphasising safety and the designated contact person for these services, mainly rape as these women are prone to it.
The long-term contraceptive method, Implanon, was considered appropriate and convenient for this population as it guaranteed the prevention of undesired pregnancies for several years. Internal condoms were also exhibited and made accessible to all attendees. Homeless women were equipped with the knowledge to autonomously conduct safer sex, thereby avoiding the contraction of many sexually transmitted infections and enhancing sexual confidence. The discussion also encompassed treatment adherence, its significance, and strategies to ensure that each woman remains compliant with the many treatments they may undergo. Women were then given an opportunity to engage with the students and all their concerns were addressed by either the students themselves, lecturers, police, or members of the mobile clinic present.
Upon conclusion of the intervention, each woman was offered a nutritious meal, along with personal hygiene products including washcloths, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and packs of sanitary towels.
The second-year Nursing students extend their sincere gratitude to the Point community and their collaboration. To ensure continuity of care and support, community members have been handed to the Addington Gateway Outreach Team and Point Police Station for their health requirements and safety needs.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied