Obolokile Mosokwane
19 March 2008
The youth have been encouraged to consider abstaining from sexual activities because it is one of the best methods of reducing the spread of HIV and Aids.
Speaking at an event to mark the commemoration of the Month of Youth Against Aids in Gaborone over the weekend, Detective Senior Superintendent, Kabo Marage of the South Central Division said having multiple partners, unprotected sex, alcohol and drug abuse have been identified as key determinants of spreading the HIV and Aids scourge.
He said the youth are the future leaders of tomorrow hence the need to respond to educational programmes given to reduce the spread of HIV and Aids.
Marage encouraged behavioural change towards HIV/AIDS adding that it was imperative for the youth to know their status and utilise available programmes aimed at reducing the spread of the disease. He also encouraged those who attended to share the information with their colleagues, parents and children.
He also said the commemoration is in accordance with the Botswana Police Service Occupational Health Safety, Chaplaincy and Social Welfare programme to promote wellness in the work place.
Marage further said the most affected persons in Botswana are of 14 years to 49 years adding that the majority of Botswana Police Service personnel fall within this bracket. Oaitse Mbaiwa from Botswana National Youth Council encouraged the youth to take personal responsibility by knowing their status. He said these events are held to increase HIV and Aids awareness amongst the youth and for them to take the lead in the fight against AIDS. Mbaiwa urged young couples to go for testing together for them to know their status.
The workshop was held under the theme 'Commit to Zero transmission lifestyle: youth leading in HIV/AIDS management and wellness promotion' and it was attended by police officers and students from Gaborone, Mogoditshane and Tlokweng.
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