The news in brief
A parliamentary briefing highlights primary care and maternal-health screening, alongside social pressures.
After a briefing by the Department of Health, the Multi-Party Women's Caucus called for coordinated action on women's mental health. Its statement points to primary care, district services and building mental-health screening into maternal and other health programmes (Women's Caucus calls for intersectoral action on mental health).
The chairperson also drew attention to poverty, insecurity and gender-based violence. This is a parliamentary account of policy priorities, not a new trial showing that a particular intervention works. The prevalence estimates in the statement are not reproduced here, because the underlying study has not been reviewed (Women's Caucus calls for intersectoral action on mental health).
The national mental-health framework describes a route from primary assessment to referral when needed. The parliamentary call does not create a new individual entitlement, and it does not show that staffing gaps have been resolved. For practical care, check the local referral pathway and any requirements of your medical scheme (National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023–2030).
Going further
This news item is part of a broader topic, which our page South Africa: pregnancy, HIV and STIs and periods covers in detail.
Read the page: South Africa: pregnancy, HIV and STIs and periods