Why affirming treatment for gender questioning youth matters in SA

Why affirming treatment for gender questioning youth matters in SA

Gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth has sparked intense debate globally. In South Africa, we need to significantly improve accessibility throughout the country, ensure services are well-resourced, include trained healthcare providers skilled in gender affirming care, and offer comprehensive care that integrates mental health and social services, write Jenna-Lee de Beer-Procter and Pierre Brouard, on behalf of fellow board members of the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa.

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The Cass Review provides guidance on gender-affirming care: SA’s medical community is now at a crossroads

The Cass Review provides guidance on gender-affirming care: SA’s medical community is now at a crossroads

The question as to the best approach to providing care for children and young people with gender dysphoria or gender incongruence is complex, contested, and controversial, both in South Africa and globally. Following the release of a major new report in the United Kingdom, it is clear that a change of course is needed in South Africa, argue doctors Janet Giddy, Allan Donkin, and associate professor Reitze Rodseth.

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In-depth: Some improvement but much more needed to address health needs of key populations

In-depth: Some improvement but much more needed to address health needs of key populations

Despite some improvement, the community-led monitoring group Ritshidze’s second report on key populations highlights that sex workers, people who use drugs and LGBTQIA+ community members are often still discriminated against when trying to access public health facilities. This can lead to treatment interruptions and some stopping their clinic visits. Nthusang Lefafa reports.

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In-depth: Landmark survey of key populations confirms scale of problems

In-depth: Landmark survey of key populations confirms scale of problems

People who belong to key populations, such as men who have sex with men, often report that it is difficult for them to access health services – for example, due to negative healthcare worker attitudes. Now, a large survey published last week by community healthcare monitoring group Ritshidze provides important statistics that not only confirm that such experiences are widespread but also help in pinning down some specific issues. Tiyese Jeranji reports.

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COVID-19: Sex workers say they struggle to access contraception, abortion and other services

COVID-19: Sex workers say they struggle to access contraception, abortion and other services

The COVID-19 pandemic and South Africa’s national lockdown has exacerbated existing challenges the LGBTQI+ community and sex workers experience in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Tiyese Jeranji reports.

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Being young and living with HIV in the time of COVID-19

Being young and living with HIV in the time of COVID-19

Stigma and discrimination makes accessing healthcare services hard for many young people living with HIV. Has it become even harder during the COVID-19 pandemic? Nomfundo Xolo spoke to young people and activists in KwaZulu-Natal.

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