Health and Wellness
- Whether there are targeted public awareness and prevention programmes in place to address the health risks associated with tobacco use, especially among the youth; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether her Department provides support for smoking cessation, including access to counselling and treatment services; if so, what are the relevant details?
(1) The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness undertakes health promotion, prevention, screening, counselling, and awareness activities through its primary healthcare platform, schools, youth zones, community outreach services, and partnerships.
These activities support residents, including young people, to make healthier choices and reduce preventable illness, including risks linked to non-communicable diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and other lifestyle-related health concerns.
The WCDHW’s approach places strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and supporting residents across the life course to start well, live well, and age well. As part of its broader education and information work, the WCDHW also highlights relevant health risks and prevention messages through social media, media articles, youth engagements, and other public communication channels.
This includes, where relevant, education and information on tobacco use, vaping products, and associated health risks.
(2) Smoking cessation is dealt with on a case-by-case basis with each individual patient, based on their individual needs, risk factors, and clinical circumstances.
Residents who wish to stop smoking are encouraged to raise this with a healthcare worker at their local clinic or healthcare facility, where they can receive appropriate advice, counselling, and guidance. Where additional support is required, patients may be assessed and referred through the relevant service pathways, depending on their needs and the services available at facility level.
Where young people raise concerns linked to smoking, vaping, or other substance-use risks, these may also be addressed through youth-friendly services, youth zones, health education engagements, and appropriate counselling or referral pathways.
