Higher Health

Higher Health is a national organisation established to champion the health and wellbeing of students across the post-school education and training (PSET) sector. Mandated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Higher Health was created to address critical health-related challenges facing students in colleges and universities. Its presence on campuses, including Goldfields TVET College, is a strategic intervention to ensure that students are supported not only academically but also physically, emotionally, and socially, acknowledging that a student’s overall wellbeing is essential for academic success and personal development.

The primary mandate of Higher Health is to promote access to comprehensive health services and to implement prevention and awareness programmes that address pressing social and health issues affecting youth. These include HIV, tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for persons living with disabilities and LGBTQI+ communities. By integrating health services into campus life, Higher Health ensures that students are not left behind due to health-related barriers, and it creates an enabling environment where they can thrive.

On campuses, Higher Health operates through activations, mobile clinics, training programmes, and the deployment of trained peer educators and campus care workers. These frontline individuals serve as the first point of contact for students needing health education, counselling, screening, or referrals for specialised care. The organisation also collaborates with government departments, non-profit organisations, and health institutions to provide accessible services such as HIV testing, contraceptive distribution, trauma counselling, mental health screenings, and substance abuse interventions. Its programming is evidence-based, youth-centered, and aligned with South Africa’s broader public health priorities.

Higher Health’s presence at  Goldfields campuses underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education, recognising that physical health, mental wellness, and social safety are prerequisites for academic achievement and personal growth. Through ongoing dialogue sessions, health campaigns, workshops, and student-led initiatives, Higher Health cultivates a culture of responsibility, support, and resilience among the student population. Ultimately, it contributes to reducing student dropouts, enhancing academic performance, and shaping a healthier, more informed generation of future leaders.