21 Nov 2019

Ngami Men’s sector have hosted a football tournament alongside a health fair as a build up towards this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration billed for Maun.

The objective of tournament, which takes place at Maun Sports Complex on November 23 is to promote safe male circumcision (SMC) and HIV testing among men.

Four Maun based teams namely; Beulah Football Club, Healing Waters Football Club, Sedie United and Cornerstone Fellowship International Football clubs will participate in the tourney.

In an interview, Men’s sector chairperson, Itumeleng Takhwira said the event targeted Sunday social football clubs as part of their commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and emerging public health challenges.

He expressed a concern that they recorded low uptake on the SMC exercise since its inception, adding that only students showed interest in doing the operation.

“Since we extended our campaign to schools including tertiary institutions, we have seen more students taking part, making the exercise successful,” he added.

He said middle-aged men were still dragging their feet towards the exercise and believed that their efforts to hold a soccer tournament would bear positive results.

Takhwira revealed that the general community would set up at the site while they would be conveying SMC messages and also providing sexual reproductive health education.

Botswana has been running SMC since 2009 and has not yet met its target despite the massive investment by donors in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to encourage HIV-negative men to circumcise.

Takhwira believed that through the soccer tournament, they could reach more men and members of the general public and include them in the programmes as they were also affected by the HIV/AIDS scourge.

“Mens’ sector mandate is to encourage men to be responsible leaders and take care of their health.  

One of objectives of Men’s Sector is to ensure that men participate in the reduction of new infections of HIV and AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).”

The chairperson appealed to the public to come in large numbers to learn more about sexual reproductive health services and also test for HIV so that they know their status.

Prior to the soccer tournament, publicity committee, which forms part of the preparatory committee for World AIDS Day commemoration, will also embark on a roadshow behind Nandos chicken outlet in an effort to activate the vibe for the big event.

Yesterday the committee in collaboration with Women Against Rape and Botswana Family Welfare Association provided friendly health services to young people and the general members of the community.

The campaign will offer health services such as information dissemination and education on sexual reproductive health issues, condom distribution and demonstration, Sexually Transmitted Infections screening and HIV testing.

The event starts at 8am. Ends