21 Nov 2018

Francistown Assistant District AIDS coordinator, Mr Obusitswe Pitlagano says it is essential for officers of disciplined forces to have high levels of physical fitness in order to perform at optimum levels.

Mr Pitlagano said this during a one-day health awareness fair for disciplined forces from the Francistown region.

He said the event was organised by the Francistown District AIDS office in conjunction with the city mayor to encourage officers to test for different diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis and

HIV/AIDS, and how to protect themselves from such ailments.

He said they invited different health awareness organisations such as ACHAP, BOCAIP, Humana and Tebelopele to help in educating, providing counselling and testing the officers for different diseases.

Mr Pitlagano said the objective of the event was to achieve the 90, 90, 90 HIV/AIDS initiative established by Francistown District AIDS office in order to reduce HIV/AIDS cases in the city.

He said the first 90 per cent  meant people living with and having tested for HIV and knowing their status, the second 90 per cent of people on HIV treatment and the last 90 per cent of people on HIV treatment having reduced viral load.

He said they included other diseases some such as tuberculosis and diabetes as people were likely to be affected by those diseases.

He said the officers were also educated about the importance of eating healthy, exercising and avoiding things such as obesity, drug and substance abuse, smoking and stress.

Mr Pitlagano also said the other reason was to strengthen their partnership with disciplined forces officers.

He said disciplined forces work was challenging and needed physical and mental strength,  adding that they had to be in good health.

He said as disciplined officers were mostly men, healthy living education was critical as men were always behind on health issues in the country.

Mr Pitlagano singled out TB as the main threat to the officers as they were mostly crowded when on duty

He said they hoped to hold such events annually to empower discipline forces officers.

Officers from different BDF camps in Francistown, Francistown Police and Prisons Services competed in different sporting codes such as athletics, tug of war, 5-a-side football and aerobics.

Members of the public were also allowed to take part in the event, and were also offered education, testing and counselling on different diseases. ENDS