20 May 2014

Everyone presents a window of hope against HIV/AIDS, and everyone should play their part in the fight against the disease, says former minister, Dr Gaositwe

Giving a keynote address at the Ministry of Lands and Housing HIV/AIDS candlelight commemoration on Tuesday May 20 at Gaborone Senior Secondary School, Dr Chiepe said it was imperative that Batswana leave no stone unturned in coming up with interventions that could make a difference.

“Remember that each one of us is the window of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, each one of us must do our part to the best of our ability, lets keep the light on HIV,” she said.

The main objective of the commemoration was to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, stand in solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS, and those who lost their lives or the lives of their loved ones due to the virus.

The day was commemorated under the theme: Let’s keep the light on HIV. Dr Gaositwe Chiepe said the theme calls for urgent action to ensure that HIV/AIDS prevention was sustained on the agenda of national and international policy makers.

She said the theme was appropriate because it encourages each and every individual to take full responsibility for their lives and lead healthy lifestyles. Dr Chiepe said she was pleased with efforts of introducing new interventions such as the new Tsosoloso HIV testing campaign, social media campaigns and the resuscitation of District AIDS and health fairs to mobilise communities.

According to the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS IV), the national HIV prevalence in 2004 was 17.1 per cent compared to 17.6 per cent in 2008. It has increased from 17.6 per cent to 18.5 per cent of which Dr Chiepe said it was worrisome and unacceptable.

She noted that females continue to record higher rates of infection at 19.4 per cent compared to their male counterparts at 14.1 per cent. She said all should do all within their power to curb the scourge.

Dr Chiepe further commended international agencies that have partnered with the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She acknowledged the contribution made by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (ACHAP), Botswana-USA (BOTUSA) and the Botswana Harvard Partnership.

Furthermore, Dr Chiepe encouraged Batswana to adopt positive behaviour that would reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS to zero transmission and zero new infections.

“After all prevention is better that cure, and so far there is no cure for HIV/AIDS,” she noted. Meanwhile, the manager of human resources and administrator in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr William Molemogi urged everyone to heed the message, as it was important that each and everyone must know their HIV/AIDS status as early detection is important in HIV treatment, control and management.

He said HIV has claimed over 30 million lives and that over 33 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS, adding that HIV/AIDS remains a challenging reality. Ends