15 Apr 2021

 Tebelopele testing centre in Serowe is impressed with Batswana who continue to test for HIV even now when concentration seems to be on COVID-19.

The testing centre operates only on weekdays and is open to anyone who is 16 years and above, while minors are required to have parental consent.

A counsellor at the centre, Ms Onkemetse Mpho told BOPA that nothing had changed, people still came for testing and other services.

She said they assisted at least 30 people daily most of whom were females.

Ms Mpho said people from all walks of life came to utilise their services for several reasons, the common one being HIV testing.

Others go there to collect medication, condoms, lubricants and educational pamphlets

The centre also engages in community outreach workshops and Ms Mpho explained that sometimes they worked with different organisations such as Serowe police, prisons, colleges and brigades to educate clients about the virus and ways to prevent it.

She talked about a recent campaign that sought to encourage males to come for testing and applauded youthful couples, whom she stated visited the centre a lot and encouraged those who had not, to make use of it.

She also encouraged people to use condoms or abstain to avoid being infected with HIV. Ends