11 Aug 2022

Men have been encouraged to go for medical health check-ups and counselling.

Speaking at a Pitso Ya Borre one-day campaign in Block 9 in Francistown on Wednesday, African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership Programmes officer, Mr Batumi Judge advised them to take care of their health.

Mr Judge said some men die from  diseases that were curable due to failure to go for medical testing. which would enable medical officers to pick up warning signs of such diseases early for action.

Safe male circumcision does not only reduce the chances of getting HIV/AIDS but also reduces chances of woman getting cervical cancer, he said.

Mr Judge further explained that Human papillomavirus was one of the dangerous sexually related conditions that posed health threats to women hence the need for men to circumcise.

For his part, Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (MVA) Injury Prevention officer, Mr Abram Ntshiping said more men were perishing in road accidents as compared to their female counterparts because they often resort to amongst others over-speeding, drunken driving and use electronic gadgets.

Mr Ntshiping said annual statistics indicated that more than 50 per cent of men die on road accidents annually, adding that in 2019, about 483 lives were lost and 321 were men.

"Men are prone to taking risks believing that they are capable, and in the process ignoring safety measures," he said.

However, he said, accidents had robbed the country of productive personnel who were also bread winners and that had left many families in poverty.

Constable Mpodi Godiraone of Kutlwano Police Station warned men against defiling children and advised them to be more proactive in taking care of their families.

He called on men to make the world a better place for women and children.

Meanwhile, President of Block 9 Customary Court, Kgosi Sam Masunga pleaded with the public to prioritise culture preservation.

Kgosi Masunga urged parents to play a parental role and responsibilities so that they lessen the burden on teachers or any other third party who also help in moulding children.

The day’s objective included rekindling men's spirit and ego in a kgotla set up to empower them to become responsible members of the community.

The campaign also aimed at increasing men's involvement in the fight against socio-economic ills. ends