Police take charge of their health

ELUKWATINI – The Elukwatini SAPS recently held a candle-lighting ceremony at the station’s conference hall.

The event was organised to rekindle the memory of those who had succumbed to HIV/Aids, as well as to reach out and give hope to those who had tested positive and were living with the virus.

At the same time it was intended to educate those who are ignorant of their status. Three distinctly coloured candles representing the three groups of people were lit.

Red resemble those who were already infected, the white candle symbolised those who tested and were found to be negative, and the yellow candle stood for those who currently do not know their status.

According to Const Solly Mbokane attendees were also taught to be considerate to people living with HIV/Aids and not to isolate or discriminate against them in places of work.

Males were also told at length about the advantages of medical male circumcision and how it prevented the spread of the disease.

“The message of medical male circumcision was also discussed, done and dusted,” added Mbokane. It was heard during the event that the Chief Albert Luthuli district was leading with the highest figure for uncircumcised males.

“Circumcision helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases while being uncircumcised serves as an entry port for infections,” a speaker from the department of health said.

The cluster and its peer educators were also applauded for organising the event which is scheduled to continue at all police stations in the municipality.

Elukwatini cluster commander, Col Thandi Jiyane praised the team and appreciated that they had done a job which is much dreaded by other people since it is sensitive education.

She called on the educators to continue spreading the good news.

“ You guys are biting the bullet of tackling what we wouldn’t dare do, as it was considered taboo,” she said.