21 Dec 2020

The fight against COVID-19 should not overshadow the fight against HIV/AIDS which is still a concern, Balete Kgosikgolo, Kgosi Mosadi.

Speaking at AIDS day commemoration in Ramotswa kgotla recently, she said COVID-19 should not make stakeholders let the guard down with regard to fighting HIV/AIDS.

She said COVID -19 posed more risks to people with underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, hence the need for adhere to treatment and taking all precautionary measures against contracting the virus.

Kgosi Mosadi also emphasised the need for the community to protect themselves against COVID-19 pandemic by avoiding unnecessary travels. She said travelling during Christmas holidays could put lives of travelers, as well as those they are visiting at risk.

Another speaker, district AIDS coordinator, Ms Tuelo Chibana said COVID-19 had effects on the rollout of services and programmes aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS. 

She said during lockdown, some people defaulted on their medications while some campaign programs were not implemented.

She said uptake of services such as HIV testing and condoms distribution, had been lower when compared to other years.

Further, the coordinator expressed worry over cases of sexually transmitted infections in the area.

She said high numbers recorded indicated that people engaged in risky behavior that exposed them to HIV/AIDS infections. 

Ms Chibana said sexually transmitted infections rose despite targeted campaigns over the years to curb the problem.

She said another problem that had been persistent over the years was teenage pregnancy, and as such called on stakeholders to join hands to fight teenage pregnancy in the district, adding that some of the pregnancies reported were of school going children.

Councillor Zaahid Jalal of Kgosing ward in Ramotswa said there was need for all stakeholders to take a stance against all social ills. 

He noted  men’s reluctance to test for HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy and gender based violence were some of the issues facing the area. ends