18 Aug 2025

Reliance on self medication with herbal remedies by men to treat Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) has been described as a threat to their health.

Speaking at a Pitso organised for men at Logaba Kgotla in Kanye, where issues relating to men’s health took centre stage, District STI Focal Person, Mr Pako Thabeng sounded the alarm on men delaying medical care until it was nearly too late.

He warned that delaying until one’s health had worsened could lead to serious complications, making treatment difficult, or even impossible. He said most men would opt for using self prescribed traditional remedies over modern healthcare, a habit that was seen to be fueling STIs.

“Free health services are available nationwide, use them,” he urged, stressing that early detection save lives.

Additionally, Mr Thabeng said risk behaviours like multiple partners and inconsistent condom use were key drivers of rising STI cases, urging men to adopt safer habits. Kanye District AIDS Coordinator Mr Kebonyemodisa Marumo said the pitso was more than a health focused event.

“It is a bold move to bring services to men and spark honest conversations about issues they often avoid; from family matters to economic pressures,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Marumo said the event was setting the agenda as it was one of the build up activities toward September, the Month of Prayer against HIV and AIDS, which was not only focused tackling HIV prevention but other social challenges such as passion killings, substance abuse and road accidents. The event was a rallying call for men to take charge of their health and confront societal challenges head-on through community action and proactive care. ENDS