05 Mar 2014

Alcohol abuse contributes to the increased spread of HIV and ultimately weakens the country’s economy, says Dr Damian Marijane.

Speaking at a campaign against alcohol abuse on Saturday, March 1 in Letlhakane, Dr Marijane of St Damian Medical Clinic said while the government through the Ministry of Health had intensified the fight against new HIV infections, it was unfortunate to see some people putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus.

Dr Marijane said taking alcohol excessively suppresses one’s ability to take informed decisions and end up engaging in unprotected sexual activities. He added that HIV treatment was costly and that increased numbers of HIV positive people would dent the country’s economy.

Moreover, Dr Marijane said alcohol was expensive hence habitual consumers spend more on alcohol than on supporting their families.

“Family structures collapse due to alcohol, children cannot grow well as they go hungry and even abandon school while those without the financial muscle engage in crime so that they can get money to satisfy their addiction,” he said.

With regard to the consequences of alcohol on the youth, Dr Marijane said they were bound to face negative consequences such as rape, teenage pregnancy and contacting sexual transmitted infections.

He warned the youth that they would not have a bright future if they abuse alcohol, adding that people who abuse alcohol tend to forget a lot, develop aggressive behaviour, sleep for too long and in worst cases develop mental illnesses.

He advised young people to desist from consuming alcohol, adding that for young boys their sexual prowess will be suppressed as early as 35 years. “Beware young boys as alcohol has the ability to kill your sexual appetite and will not be able to perform satisfactorily at a young age,” he said.

In addition, Dr Marijane appealed to the youth to desist from taking alcohol because it affects one’s health, adding that people taking alcohol were prone to heart diseases, hypertension and liver cancers.

Botswana Police Service NO. 8 district youth focal person, Constable Merriam Kavari said the campaign was organised by Letlhakane youth police officers to get in touch with their peers at schools and within society.

Cst. Kavari said alcohol abuse by the youth was a serious concern that ought to be fought by all means.

The school head at Motsumi JSS, Mr Meshack Sechele expressed concern over students who stay alone without care of parents or guardians. Mr Sechele said such children were  prone to abuse alcohol because they go hungry and even abscond from school as they do not have proper care. ENDS