# Higher health

Higher Health addresses the health and well-being of students in South Africa. They act as an agency for the Department of Higher Education and Training and implement health and wellbeing programmes and campaigns for registered students. Through partnerships, this agency seeks to address the complex social issues and healthcare needs facing those in post school education.

## Overall well-being

Higher Health’s remit is to address the healthcare needs of 2.5 million young South Africans in post-school education. Many young people delay (or abandon) the completion of their studies due to a range of different factors. 50% of the economically active proportion of the population (aged 15 to 24) are unemployed. The situation facing graduates is not much better. Of the 1 million people who exit post-school education every year, only 20% of graduates find employment within the year. Another 20% find employment later on. But 60% remain without a formal job. The cumulative effects of unemployment are both felt by the individual (depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms) and the community (neighbourhood safety and local well-being). Higher Health seeks to address physical and mental health, including wellness and self-care.

## Civic and health education

An awareness of the effects of poverty, inequality, and injustice on communities is essential for mental health. Students face up to these multiple challenges daily. Higher Health has developed a curriculum to address students' social and health challenges. They launched a civic education and health skills programme on 20 July 2023. This programme has achieved recognition at the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5. It is available to all registered students and is hosted on a platform managed by Anthology, in all 11 official languages and sign language. Higher Health’s online courses are laudible. They do not however address those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Or who cannot afford data and devices.

## Gender-based violence

Ten (10%) of all reported rape cases originate from young women in the higher education sector. Gender-based violence impacts a person's sense of self-worth and self-esteem. The DHET has created a Policy Framework to address Gender-Based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System. Higher Health is committed to ensuring a more robust, collaborative and more focused response to violence against women, as expressed the minister's summit speech. It is also expected that another online GBV course will follow soon.

## Remote students

Despite being aware of the inherited and spatial disadvantages, and the effects on mobility And the many challenges facing remote students who study in rural communities and access healthcare services. Higher Health addresses remote students Heath care needs with a roving fleet (10 vehicles) of purpose-built mobile clinics. Higher Health has also partnered with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group. (SADEG) who offer a 24-hour student helpline As distance students, higher health also look towards online programs to cater directly for the specific needs and preferences of remote students.