​
By Rudzani Matshili
Social worker Keabetswe Ledingoana used the International Children's Day to remind the public about children's rights when accessing healthcare services.  

The day celebrated annually on June 1 is used to honour children. Quoting Chapter 2 of the Children's Act 2005, Ledingoana emphasised that children deserve to be treated with dignity and without being judged when accessing healthcare services.

"Children have a right to access information on health promotion, prevention and treatment of ill health and diseases, sexuality and reproduction which includes termination of pregnancy and many others," she said.  

 "A child from as early as 12 can consent to termination of pregnancy without parental consent, and the nurses have to do it with dignity and respect." 

"Same goes for us social workers, we have to offer counselling  before and after the procedure  to make sure that they are making the right decision and they understand the options that are available to them,"  said Ledingoana. 

She also touched on the issue of sexual abuse and the responsibility of healthcare professions.  
"Some of the children that are brought to the hospital are sometimes victims of sexual abuse and the cases are then referred to the social workers, who then work with different stakeholders to investigate." 

"Even if the parent doesn't give us consent, we go ahead because we need to do what is in the best interest of the child. It is every healthcare professional's responsibility working at the hospital to protect the children's right," she said.  
​
"Children also have the right to access HIV testing; those aged 12 years can consent to get HIV testing without their parent's knowing," concluded Ledingoana.​​