24 Sep 2017

Minister of Health and Wellness, Ms Dorcas Makgato has encouraged residents of Moroka to eat well and exercise to stay healthy.

Addressing a kgotla meeting at Moroka on September 22, Ms Makgato stated that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was alarming though some could be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

She said every person should take responsibility for their health and not leave it to government.

The minister advised the public to eat well, adding that statistics had shown that Batswana over eat resulting in obesity.

“Studies show that 30 per cent of Batswana are obese hence I encourage you to follow doctors’ orders. If they tell you don’t eat something then don’t eat it,” she advised.

Ms Makgato said it was heartbreaking that primary school pupils suffered from NCDs which was a result of parents over feeding them.

The minister encouraged residents to drink lots of water as it helped to detox and improve oxygen flow.

She highlighted that her ministry had taken the decision to enroll people into the ART immediately when they tested HIV positive because Botswana strived to curb HIV deaths by 2030 and ensure that every Motswana knew their status by then.

Ms Makgato urged men not to lag behind in seeking medical attention, especially HIV testing.

She told residents that she would engage with the ministers responsible for water and roads maintenance to address water crisis and provide decent roads in the village.

Residents had complained that the water crisis forced them to drink untreated water from dams.

They also stated that poor access roads made it difficult for health practitioners to access their homes and assess them.

Kgosi George Moroka decried lack of accommodation for nurses which resulted in them renting out in the village.

He also requested the ministry to extend their clinic and to include a maternity ward as the village population had grown. ENDS