24 Feb 2025

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are said to be on the rise and remain a major public health problem in Hukuntsi District despite the intense advocacy for behavioural change by the relevant stakeholders to reduce HIV and AIDS prevalence.
Hukuntsi District Management Health Team (DHMT), public health officer, Mr Mothusi Segotso said this in his remarks when deliberating on health education during the wellness day organised by the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs as well as the Hukuntsi District Council, in collaboration with DHMT recently.
He said there was an increase of  STIs cases despite the high numbers of condoms which were distributed in the district.
He said people had a negative attitude toward condom use despite efforts in public health education as a means to sensitise on the need for behavioural change in condom use.
With regard to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, he said it was important to take into account issues of a healthy diet as a daily routine.
He advised that staying active could prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
“Set long term goals such as being more healthy and short term goals such as daily walks as this will make contribute positively to being motivated,” he said.
Mr Segotso further underscored the need for lifestyle modification, adding that it had proved to be a powerful tool in combating the morbidity and mortality of diseases.
He however decried of the low turn-out of participants at the event, and urged people to take advantage of such platforms when availed for them.
For her part, Hukuntsi District principal programmes officer in the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms Kelathegile Mbutho said the day was meant to share information on issues of mental and psychological well-being and how to reduce the risk of contracting non-communicable diseases.
She noted that National Fitness Day was launched in 2015, and was hosted as an intervention to promote physical fitness activities and recreation.
The event was dominated by activities such as aerobics, tug of war and fun games. ENDS