12 Aug 2019

 Y Care Charitable Trust chairperson, Mr Modise Koofethile says more health campaigns needs to be done to reach out to rural areas. 

Speaking in an interview at the end of the Y Care chairperson’s challenge in Sehithwa on August 10, he said the campaign registered alarming cases of high blood pressure in the 18 villages covered. The challenge, which began at Sekondoboro in the Okavango District, covered about 357 kms.

Mr Koofethile noted that 1 014 people were attended and that 120 cases of hypertension were recorded and 38 cases of diabetes. He said the hypertension number was the highest in the annual campaign.

He noted that Tsau and Nokaneng recorded most cases of diabetes. He said similar campaigns were needed to help communities in rural areas to access services and to help address their health challenges timely.

The Y Care chairperson’s  challenge, he said, encompassed a fun running  campaign in selected villages to attract communities, adding that this year’s challenge was partly running and circling.

Mr Koofethile said communities were sensitised on diabetes and cancer as well as testing for diabetes and hypertension. He added that referrals where made for those diagnosed with the diseases.

He stressed that campaigns helped in identifying causes of diseases and identifying common diseases in different districts which would benefit the ministry and researchers.

Mr Koofethile appreciated help from the Ngami District Health Management team in the challenge. He said the challenge would continue to sensitise rural communities.

A youth living with diabetes, Ms Wedu Leburu said it was important for diabetes patients to accept themselves.

She said it was a challenge for her when she was still young since her classmates teased her about her injections.

She said she has since found a support system through youth with diabetic camp hosted by the Diabetes Association of Botswana.

Ms Leburu appealed to fellow youth to offer support to those you have the disease. 

Team chain ring chairperson, Mr Kitso Motshidisi said the cycling team, which has an annual campaign against cancer, also supported this year’s Y Care chairperson’s challenge.

He said the outcome of the challenge proved that there was a gap in rural areas in addressing non-communicable diseases. Ends