15 Apr 2014

Students and members of staff from the University of Botswana (UB) on April 12 embarked on an awareness march and road show as part of their commemoration of the Month of Youth Against AIDS (MYAA).

The walk and road show kick started early Saturday morning (April 12) at the UB south gate as students and staff marched to Old Naledi grounds carrying banners inscribed with HIV/AIDS messages.

On arrival the participants gathered around to share messages and information on HIV/AIDS with the Old Naledi community.

The people had come in large numbers to hear HIV/AIDS messages that were delivered under the theme “UB says no to HIV and AIDS. It’s my life, it’s my body.”

UB’s student welfare manager , Ms Kgomotso More, said the march was in support of government’s commitment to achieving zero new infections by 2016. She added that such a goal can only be achieved through awareness and implementation of robust, comprehensive and sustained HIV/AIDS prevention programs.

UB student representative Chikombe Basiami said the students want to address and sensitise people on the dangers of having multiple concurrent sexual partnerships as well as raise awareness about safe male circumcision.

The UB students delivered a statement that said: “We the UB students re-affirm our commitment to preventing the spread of HIV amongst ourselves, the youth of Botswana and the nation. We care and support fellow human beings who are affected. So help us God.”

The UB choir serenaded the crowd with songs that carried the HIV/AIDS messages while the UB drama group showed a few plays.

The crowd was also entertained by poetry performances and local music. They also toured the erected stalls and collected pamphlets, fliers and free condoms. ENDS