STI surge, drug shortages, child safety fears rock Mogoditshane–Thamaga

Mogoditshane–Thamaga District is grappling with a rise in sexually transmitted infections, with nearly 1,900 cases reported this quarter alone, yet contact tracing remains as low as 12 percent.The district also has over 20,000 people on HIV treatment.These figures were shared by Council Chairperson, Molatedi Selala, during the Mogoditshane–Thamaga District Council session this week, where he raised concern about the continued effects of unsafe sex and the gaps in prevention and follow‑up.Selala said that while the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) programme continues to expand, the district has lost 1,884 clients who stopped coming for treatment. He said this was a critical gap that must be urgently fixed through improved tracing, community models, and household treatment literacy.He said regarding HIV, it was good that people were getting treatment, but equally a reminder of the heavy burden of the disease in the area.Eighty‑nine (89) cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded this quarter, including one HIV‑positive adolescent. This highlighted gaps in youth‑friendly services and sexual health education.On maternal and child health, the Council Chairperson said they recorded zero maternal deaths from April to date.However, he noted worrying trends such as high Born‑Before‑Arrival cases, limited home visits, and nutrition and immunisation gaps caused partly by vaccine stockouts and ration shortages, which currently stand at just 52 percent.The district, however, recorded a positive outcome during the recent diarrhoea season, reporting zero child deaths, showing resilience despite resource challenges.With the Prevention of Mother‑to‑Child Transmission programme (PMTCT), Selala described it as a model of excellence, with maternal HIV testing above 97 percent and a low mother‑to‑child transmission rate of 0.46 percent.However, he expressed concern that partner testing remains low at 21 percent, urging stronger male involvement. Outside hospitals, community care is also under pressure as only 39 out of 402 community home‑based care clients received support this quarter.Even more concerning are the 289 cases of sexual offences against children, which the Chairperson said reveal deep social vulnerabilities that require urgent action, trauma counselling, safe shelters, and coordination with police, social services, and schools.Selala applauded civil society partners such as Tebelopele, Nkaikela Youth Group, BUMMHI, Hope Worldwide, Captive Eye, and others for boosting testing, treatment, prevention, and support for vulnerable children.He acknowledged that the health system is stretched thin, saying drug availability is at just 59 percent, far below the national benchmark of 97 percent, due to staffing shortages, procurement delays, and transport issues.Shortages include essential items such as paediatric antibiotics, vaccine doses, and ARV medication. Staffing gaps, he said, continue to strain clinics and mobile health services.At Thamaga Primary Hospital, drug availability averages 55 percent, though there is progress with the arrival of a Family Physician, Pharmacy Technicians, and a Radiographer to strengthen services.The hospital has also introduced a small P5 cost‑sharing fee to improve revenue, but its infrastructure remains run‑down and urgently needs renovation in the 2025/26 budget cycle.Selala has called for unity, stronger partnerships, and community responsibility, saying that if the district strengthens its primary health care system, it will secure a healthier and more resilient future for Mogoditshane–Thamaga.

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STI surge, drug shortages, child safety fears rock Mogoditshane–Thamaga