SELEBI PHIKWE - Men have been encouraged to undergo safe male circumcision offered at government hospitals and clinics to reduce risks of HIV/ AIDS transmission.

The minister of Health, Reverend John Seakgosing made the advice during a BCL Wellness activity, held under the theme My familys wellness is my responsibility in Selebi Phikwe recently.

Safe male circumcision is a viable HIV preventive method which males should be encouraged to undergo. However, circumcision is not a magic bullet to prevention of HIV infections, said the minister, emphasising the need for men not to abandon practicing safe sex methods after undergoing circumcision.

Studies have revealed that circumcision reduces risks of men getting infected with HIV by up to 60 per cent.

Dr Seakgosing praised BCL management for utilising the Public Private Partnership programme in aide of combating the HIV/ Aids pandemic.

The minister also warned attendants of the impact of excessive alcohol consumption.

He cautioned excessive alcohol consumption has negative physical, socio-economical and emotional repercussions on the abuser Dr Seakgosing further urged members of the community to adopt healthy lifestyles by using programmes availed to them by government.

Good nutrition, responsible alcohol drinking, balancing work and family life, nurturing ones emotional, social and spiritual aspects components of healthy lifestyles.

Addressing the attendants, the BCL General Manager, Mr Montwedi Mphathi said BCL wellness day was not restricted to employees of the mine only, but also extended to the whole community as part of the mines corporate social responsibility.

Mphathi made reference to the high prevalence HIV/AIDS rate in the Selibe Phikwe region and that the BCL wellness day was an extension of the International World Aids day.

The day was marked by physical work-outs by employees and members of the community led by the Botswana Defence Force Aerobics club.

The crowd got the opportunity to test for different illnesses such as HIV, diabetes, cholesterol during the event.

The manager of Selebi North Mine, Mr Mack Williams thanked management of BCL and the staff for the highly successful event.BOPA