10 Dec 2020

Maun Central Clinics cluster head, Ms Khutsafalo Lempadi has called for behavioral change to curb the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Speaking during an STI campaign in Maun on Monday, Ms Lempadi, who was concerned about the increase of STIs in Maun cluster, said 7 126 new cases of STIs were recorded in 2019.

She said many cases were recorded during the festive season every year, which she said could be attributed to indulging in alcohol and engaging in careless behaviour thereafter.

Ms Lempadi said women were more vulnerable to STIs compared to men.

She said that in Ngamiland, Maun General Clinic was leading in the cases of STIs followed by Boseja Clinic in Maun hence it was important to sensitise the community about STIs.

“STIs affect the economy of the country because government spends more money to ensure services are availed to prevent their spread,” Ms Lempadi said.

Ms Lempadi therefore, encouraged society and stakeholders to take part in fighting the spread of STIs.

Partners, she said should be responsible and ensure that they acted to prevent STIs through abstinence, being faithful to one partner and using condoms.

Ms Lempadi said it was important for partners to get tested for STIs and cooperate with health officials at all times.

For his part, Kgosi Ntwakgolo Ledimo of Boseja/Kubung Ward cautioned that engaging in sex was risky as it exposed many people to STIs since some did not use condoms. He also encouraged those who noticed symptoms of STIs to seek medical attention early so that their severity can be prevented. Ends