24 Feb 2014

Youth in Hukuntsi have been urged to spread the Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) message.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the local District Multi -Sectoral AIDS Committee (DMSAC) and Ahe Eme support group in Hukuntsi, a nursing officer from Hukuntsi Primary Hospital, Mr Modise Kwati, said both the community and government health officials needed to work cohesively to address issues pertaining to public health.

He therefore said it was vital for young people to spread SMC message in their social gatherings, particularly because SMC was not a new thing amongst Batswana as it had been in practice even during initiation schools.

Mr Kwati said it was a remedial measure to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, adding that counseling and testing were a prerequisite to performing the circumcision surgery. He indicated that SMC reduced chances of getting infected with HIV and AIDS by 60 per cent.

However, he warned attendants that SMC was not a complete control of HIV and AIDS. Furthermore, he advised youth to resist from unbecoming sexual behavior which could endanger their lives. He said partners should be faithful to each other and should use condoms persistently.

On other issues, Mr Kwati said Batswana should not believe the common myth that SMC reduced the enjoyment of sex. He added that there were no any certified findings to prove the myth. He further encouraged female partners to be supportive of their partners during the healing process of the operation.

For his part, Ahe Eme Support Group chairperson, Mr Thatayaone Bok said it was crucial to combine all the stakeholders in SMC’s campaigns including religious leaders. He said was worrisome to note that some religious denominations were against circumcision; therefore he pleaded with church leaders to preach the SMC gospel at their church services.

Moreover, Mr Bok said church leaders should also encourage church members to pray for the cure of HIV and AIDS. Ends