Department of Health Launches New B-Wise App to Empower Youth Health Access

The revamped B-Wise app introduces a range of user-friendly features designed to address critical health issues facing young people today.

The Department of Health has officially reactivated its B-Wise platform with the launch of a cutting-edge mobile app tailored to provide adolescent and youth-friendly health services (AYFHS) and information. The event, held today in East London, Eastern Cape, featured a vibrant youth march and an engaging panel discussion on challenges facing young people in accessing health services.

The launch began with a youth-led march starting from Premier Bakery in Southernwood and making its way along Oxford Street to the stadium. This symbolic demonstration united young people, community leaders, and stakeholders in a call to break down barriers to healthcare access and raise awareness about youth-centred health resources.

Innovative Features of the B-Wise App

The revamped B-Wise app introduces a range of user-friendly features designed to address critical health issues facing young people today. These include:

Interactive Tools: Addressing sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and wellness.

Education on Preventative Care: Focused on HIV, tuberculosis, family planning, and contraceptive use.

Accessibility: Available for download on mobile phones and tablets from major app platforms.

The app empowers users to make informed health decisions, breaking stigma and fostering accessibility. It also incorporates educational resources on topics such as healthy relationships, substance abuse, and dealing with peer pressure.

Collaborative Efforts for Youth Health

B-Wise, a digital platform developed in partnership with the Department of Health and the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), seeks to improve the uptake of health services among adolescents and youth in South Africa. The app is a response to challenges such as stigma, lack of information, and limited youth-friendly healthcare services.

“This exciting development reinforces our commitment to empowering young people with accessible, reliable, and youth-centred appropriate health resources,” said the Department of Health.

Panel Discussions Highlight Youth Challenges

A youth-led panel discussion was a key feature of the launch program. Panelists addressed pressing social issues such as mental health, barriers to accessing healthcare, and the stigma surrounding sexual health discussions. Recommendations were made to create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for young South Africans.

“Young people in South Africa continue to face barriers to healthcare access and information. The reactivation of B-Wise and the introduction of this innovative app address these challenges head-on, providing a digital space where youth can access life-saving health information and services without stigma or barriers,” the department emphasized.

A Call to Action

The government has called on young people, community leaders, healthcare workers, and media partners to support this transformative initiative by downloading the app, engaging with its resources, and participating in future events.

“Together, we can ensure that every young person has the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The power of technology is pivotal in transforming lives and breaking down barriers to healthcare access,” the department concluded.

The new app aims to serve as a bridge, connecting young South Africans to vital health services and empowering them to take charge of their futures.