TUT Arts Campus Health and Wellness Centre achieves historic AYFS compliant status

The Directorate of Health and Wellness’ Health and Wellness Centre at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design has been officially designated as an Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) compliant facility, following a comprehensive assessment by Tshwane District Health Services.

This achievement is particularly significant during Youth Month, as it reinforces the institution’s commitment to accessible, youth-centred healthcare and support at a time when young people are nationally celebrated.

The facility demonstrated exceptional performance, securing a score exceeding 80% in its first AYFS assessment and confirming its alignment with national standards and best practices in youth-centred healthcare delivery.

“This recognition confirms the facility as a Youth Zone, ready to provide safe, confidential, accessible and responsive healthcare services to young people,” said Dr Annah Sefolosha, Director of the Directorate of Health and Wellness.

A NATIONAL FIRST

The achievement marks a significant milestone as the Arts Campus Health and Wellness Centre becomes the first campus health facility nationally to attain AYFS compliant status, establishing a national benchmark for youth-friendly healthcare services within the higher education sector.

The designation reflects the collaborative commitment of management, student support and administrative services, staff, students, academics, peer educators, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and strategic partners in advancing student wellbeing.

AYFS, also known as Youth Zones, are designed to provide safe, confidential and youth-centred healthcare services for people aged 10 to 24.

As an initiative of the Department of Health, these services promote positive health-seeking behaviour by offering respectful, private and non-judgemental care environments. They improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, mental health support, HIV prevention and treatment services, while also assisting young people in navigating challenges such as substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections.

Together, these milestones underscore the university’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and holistic student wellbeing, ensuring that students are supported in every aspect of their university journey.

The Directorate of Health and Wellness at TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design’s Health and Wellness Centre proudly displays its newly awarded Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) compliant status, following a successful assessment by Tshwane District Health Services.