HIV testing surge alarms Tlokweng
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday December 3, 2025 06:00
She revealed that HIV testing numbers rose sharply from 820 in Quarter 1 to 1,826 in Quarter 2.
Moreover, the chairperson noted that whilst the positivity rate stands at 1.4 percent, the majority of those testing positive are males.
She said this pattern underscores the need for intensified targeted interventions and continuous community awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, Bogatsu reported that cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) have also increased during the same period.
“This rise reflects ongoing behavioural risks that continue to expose individuals to preventable infections,” she said.
Bogatsu revealed the statistics during the full council meeting for Quarter 2, on the health services report for the 2025–2026 financial year, covering July to September 2025,
“I urge stakeholders to strengthen behavioural change programmes and improve access to sexual health education, particularly amongst high-risk populations,” she added.
In addition, the chairperson expressed concern over the district’s tuberculosis (TB) situation.
She explained that TB cases had increased, with more than half of the affected individuals co-infected with HIV. This co-infection rate, she warned, not only complicates treatment outcomes but also demands enhanced coordination between TB and HIV management services to ensure early detection, adherence, and comprehensive care.
Despite these challenges, the district recorded notable progress in child health services. Bogatsu stated that under-five welfare attendance reached 8,671 visits during the reporting period, reflecting continued utilisation of child health programmes.
However, she pointed out that underweight prevalence amongst children under five remained at 0.7 percent.
Whilst the figure is relatively low, she emphasised the need for sustained nutritional interventions to prevent any upward trend.
The chairperson urged council members and health authorities to prioritise community outreach, strengthen prevention strategies, and reinforce health education efforts across Tlokweng.
She, however, said that despite these successes, service delivery continues to be hindered by significant challenges.
“Drug availability averaged 57% against a national target of 97%, affecting critical programmes such as HIV and TB testing, hypertension and diabetes management, and childhood vaccination. Non-drug supplies stood at 53%, compromising diagnostics, infection control, and routine operations,” she revealed.
She said severe shortages of medical officers, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists, paired with infrastructure constraints such as limited staff housing, continue to affect overall performance.
She said, meanwhile, community-level vulnerabilities persist, including rising STIs, ongoing teenage pregnancies, and nutrition risks due to ration supply inconsistencies.
Whilst in response, she said strategic actions are recommended, such as strengthening drug security through increased funding and responsive procurement; urgently addressing staffing gaps with temporary recruitment; improving child health through stronger coordination with the Food Resources Store and intensified follow-ups; and scaling up health promotion targeting men, adolescents, and young people.
Bogatsu said Quarter 2 demonstrates both resilience and an urgent need. “Whilst progress in maternal health, PMTCT, and outreach is commendable, the persistent shortages and vulnerabilities require strong advocacy and decisive action.
“Decentralisation gives us a unique opportunity to shape a more responsive and equitable health system, and our next steps will determine the progress we achieve,” she said.