Africa-Press – Botswana. Men and boys have been urged to take responsibility of their lives on health and social ills as vulnerable groups.
“We have to change the way we think and follow women’s flow, in leading healthy lives,” said acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr Abia Sebaka during the ministry and other stakeholders’ community dialogue at Digawana on Tuesday.
Mr Sebaka said uptake of health services by men and boys is worringly low, which could lead to various health challenges and shorten their life span.
He, therefore advised men to regularly screen for different illnesses, saying such results would come handy in early treatment as well as low transmission of some diseases.
“These days, you have the opportunity to test for some illnesses at the comfort of your homes and your convenience,” he said.
He further advised men against risky lifestyles such as reckless driving as well as alcohol and substance abuse.
Mr Sebaka thanked the faith community for their efforts in the fight against HIV and other social ills.
Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo from the Minsters Fraternal said the event intended to close the gap in the fight against HIV.
He highlighted the need to focus on sexual reproductive health of men and boys, noting that most parents shy away from discussing sexual issues with their children.
Reverend Moruakgomo explained that it was vital for boys to tell the right and the wrong apart, from an early age to ensure that they take informed decisions as they grow up.
“These days our children become sexually active from an early age, therefore it is vital to ensure that they were equipped with necessary information,” he said.
He further advised men and boys to follow women’s example by regularly visiting health facilities for screening of various illness.
Kgosi Kefitlhile Kgwakgwe of Digawana underscored that boys were future leaders, hence they needed guidance to be moulded into responsible citizens.
He said it was important to mould them while still young, highlighting the need to bring them close to God as all good things started with Him.
Kgosi Kgwakgwe appealed to attendees of the event to pass the message to others and to lead by example.
Mr Desmond Lunga from Men and Boys organisation advised boys about the importance of discipline, adding that those with ill manners usually did not succeed in life.
“Bullies at schools ended up in prison and I believe you do not want to end up there,” he said.
He advised them to love and respect themselves as well as to take the teachings about what was wrong and right seriously as that would assist them to become responsible citizens.
Other stakeholders included NAHPHA, BOFABONETHA, Men and Boys for gender equality, BOCHAIP, ACHAP and BONASO who screened and advised attendants on different illnesses such as HIV, diabetes and high blood pressure.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
