01 Apr 2014

Parliament staff recently held a candle light memorial session in commemoration of the Month of Youth Against AIDS (MYAA).

The event was attended by both Parliament employees as well as Members of Parliament. Botswana National Youth Council's (BNYC) Mr Benjamin Raletsatsi said the Month of Youth Against AIDS was solely set aside to focus on the youth as well as to have the youth take time to reflect on HIV/AIDS issues.

Mr Raletsatsi said statistics showed that there were still new HIV/AIDS infections challenges among the working class youth aged between 20 and 35.
He said such new infections were worrisome as the working class was the engine to the country’s productivity and economic growth.

“This is a sign that we are not yet over with the fight against the virus, hence the need to continue on this journey that we had long started,” he said.
He urged all to work hard towards the realisation of the theme of a zero HIV new infections, zero discrimination and zero HIV related deaths.

For his part, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said the commemoration was in line with the institution’s commitment to uphold core values to ensure the development of a productive workforce. “This commemoration also ensures a safe and healthy working environment,” he said.

Mr Moatlhodi, who is also the chairperson of the National Assembly staff said sound health and wellness programmes in the workplace are of paramount importance towards the economic development of the country.

He said thus Parliament left no stone unturned in its strategies and involvement of all stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic. Member of the Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Fidelis Molao called on all to take responsibility in ensuring the realisation of the theme.

Mr Molao who is also Tonota North Member of Parliament said government has channeled a lot of resources in curbing the spread of the virus.
He therefore urged all to take the commemoration seriously, to reflect on all HIV/AIDS issues and recommit themselves to contribute towards stopping the spread of the virus. ends