29 Nov 2016

BOCAIP, a Christian faith based non-governmental organisation in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Wellness took to the village of Nlapkhwane to educate and screen the people for tuberculosis (TB).

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Mukani Mudongo of Nlapkhwane applauded the youth of Nlapkhwane for attending in large numbers and urged them to go and share the message with others.

He said TB does not only affect the infected and their families but the community and the country at large.

Speaking on behalf of the District Health Management Team, Ms Hannah Moseki, a nurse at Nlapkhwane clinic, advised the community to protect themselves from new TB virus infections.

She said the fight against new TB infections could be a success if people take necessary steps. She advised people to avoid congested areas without proper ventilation as TB is an airborne disease and as such spreads easily with low ventilation.

She further emphasised that people should stop stigmatisation and report cases of infection to their local clinics and give names of contact persons in order for necessary measures to be taken to treat TB.

In an interview, a BOCAIP representative, Mr Jabu Tshosa who is the district supervisor for TB support groups said the vision of BOCAIP was for future Botswana to be an HIV free nation.

He said that BOCAIP has a number of programmes under its mandate and TB awareness being one of them. He further noted that the beauty contest brings people together in one area and they convey information to people easily.

“Our objectives are to unite and stop the spread of TB, to stop new TB infection cases, to promote TB screening and HIV testing” he said.

He noted that he was satisfied with turn up of people particularly that Nlapkhwane is a small village.

The beauty contestants king and queen of Mr and Miss TB free 2016 of Nlapkhwane village, did not hide their excitement and appreciation.

The 26 year-old Batanani Kaisara who stood in the lime light as the king, sensitised the youth to test for HIV and TB, and always take part in community activities.

For her part, the 24 year-old queen, Chaboneka Kealotswe said she joined the contest to support BOCAIP and raise awareness,and   advised the youth to explore their talents. ENDS