Wellness as a legacy: Cultivating a healthier tomorrow for our youth
Image: Pixabay
As we commemorate Youth Month, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who stood up for freedom and dignity. But we must do more than remember. We must act and invest – together – to support the potential and future of today's youth.
The health of a nation is deeply connected to the wellbeing of its youth. Yet, many young South Africans face a complex web of challenges, from economic uncertainty and mental health pressures to limited access to quality healthcare. UNICEF's 2024 Situation Analysis revealed that 40% of South African youth aged 15 to 24 are unable to receive medical care when needed.
As a member of the broader healthcare community, Momentum Health recognises the urgency of these issues and the role we can play in helping to address them. The question we must ask across sectors and society is: how do we create the conditions for this generation to truly thrive?
From Legacy to Leadership
Today's youth are fighting for the right to live in a world that understands them. They are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, one that is digitally connected, socially conscious, and acutely aware of the systemic barriers that persist. But more than this, South Africa's youth are resilient, entrepreneurial, and redefining success, demanding more from the institutions shaping their lives, especially in education, employment, and healthcare.
To honour the legacy of the past, we must confront today's inequities and shift from a reactive healthcare model to one that proactively supports wellness. This requires greater investment in infrastructure, digital access, and skilled care.
Health as an Enabler of Potential
Health is wealth and our most valuable asset. For young people, this is especially true. Good health enables learning, productivity, and meaningful participation in the economy yet, access to healthcare remains unequal. This is where innovation must meet intention.
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In recognising this need, it is essential that all efforts aimed at improving youth health prioritise affordability, accessibility, and holistic wellbeing. One such example is the Ingwe Option, designed specifically with these needs in mind. These offerings are shaped by the realities young South Africans face as they enter the workforce or pursue their studies, and they reflect what's possible when healthcare is built with empathy and insight.
Mental Health - The Silent Struggle
One of the most pressing issues facing our youth today is mental health. While awareness of mental wellbeing has grown, particularly through social media that has helped to amplify youth voices, stigma still persists across schools, communities, and workplaces. Environments in which young people study, work, and grow play a critical role in shaping their wellbeing. By fostering cultures of care and psychological safety in the workplace, we support young people and contribute to a more resilient and productive society.
This is why we have deepened our focus on mental wellness as we recognise the growing need for accessible, preventative support. It is crucial that mental health resources, including digital and telehealth services become more widely available.
All workplaces and institutions should strive to prioritise psychological safety and holistic wellbeing, acknowledging that where young people work and grow has a profound impact on their mental health. Complete health and wellbeing must be part of the national conversation, to create healthier futures.
Technology as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
The rise of artificial intelligence and digital health platforms presents a unique opportunity to bridge the healthcare gap. For a generation that lives online, digital-first solutions are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
As technology evolves, it offers the potential to better understand health journeys, personalise care, and improve outcomes. From digital records to virtual consultations, we aim to meet young people where they are, on their phones, in their communities, and in real time. But for technology to truly close gaps, it must be inclusive and designed with data access, digital literacy, and affordability in mind.
A Future Worth Building
While significant strides have been made in improving access to healthcare for South Africa's youth, this is an ongoing journey that demands sustained investment, meaningful partnerships, and dedicated resources.
Youth Month is not just about looking back, it's about looking forward. As we honour the legacy of 1976, let us work together, alongside government, industry, civil society, and communities to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to live a healthy, purposeful life. When our youth flourish, so does our nation.
Damian McHugh is the chief marketing officer of Momentum Health
*** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL.
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