21 Jul 2015

The chairman of the men sector in Bobirwa area has urged men and young boys to test for the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Tsetsebye recently, Mr Michael Maphephu, who is also an Assistant Superintendent at Bobonong Police Station, said the majority of men drag their feet when it comes to testing for HIV/AIDS.

“Most men do not consider knowing their HIV status as important and abhor revealing their HIV status to partners who they indulge in sex with,” he said.

“My main worry is why do we men so reluctant to test for HIV because studies have shown that more women go for HIV testing than us,” he said.

Mr Maphephu said there were perceptions that a sizeable number of men were infected by HIV, and that they were also the ones who perpetuated the spread of sexual transmitted infections (STI’s) diseases.

Mr Maphephu encouraged young boys and men to change their attitude, adding that knowing one’s status gives a sense of well-being.
Mr Maphephu also encouraged men and boys to do safe male circumcision.

He also said gender violence among families was on the increase in the country, and that both males and females were equally affected.

Kgosi Setho Nkawana of Tsetsebye encouraged men to take part in community activities such as participating in traditional songs in order to keep themselves busy and away from indulging in activities that could jeopardise their lives. Ends