18 Jun 2018

District AIDS Coordinator for Tutume Sub-district, Mr Austin Motsamai has decried the low number of men who go to health facilities to test for sexually transmitted diseases.

He said despite numerous interventions by health departments, their records still indicate that men are reluctant to visit health facilities for check-ups, even for treatment when they are ill.

Speaking during the father’s day celebrations in Kutamogoree on June 17, Mr Motsamai pointed out that in most cases, men go to the hospital when the sickness has escalated.

He therefore noted that by bringing events such as Father’s day celebration to the communities, they want to advocate for good health and bringing services closer to the people so that they can be easily accessible.

Mr Motsamai added that there are instances where some people make excuses that they are failing to access health services because of distance, hence they found it fit to bring services to people.

In addition, he highlighted that compared to men, women are doing much better in terms taking proper measures for their wellbeing, noting that women are not pushed to visit health facilities.

Meanwhile, a member of the public who attended the event, a father of three, Mr Moagi Kealotswe appreciated efforts made to assist them in their daily lives and how best to look after their health.

He however expressed concern that contrary to the special day, he had noticed a worrisome trend of men whose misconduct often result in the abandonment of children in the village.

Mr Kealotswe said it seems to have become a norm for men to have children with numerous women and abandon them, leaving the whole responsibility of raising the children to the women.

He therefore noted that having such events in their village should be an inspiration for men to change their behaviour and take responsibility of becoming responsible fathers to their children and the community at large.

He added that having multiple partners was still a major contributor in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Mr Kealotswe said some fail to go to the hospital to take treatment because of shame of not knowing who of the multiple partners to take with when requested to do so.

Earlier on in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Motsamai Kgosi said the event was a great opportunity for the men in his village to understand the importance of being accountable for their health.

He implored the community at large to acknowledge and appreciate efforts made by the government to serve and help them improve their health, urging them to play their part.

The day was held under the theme: No Men Left Behind Towards Zero New Infections.” ENDS