18 Aug 2014

Former Minister of Health, Mrs Joy Phumaphi says it is important that the country vigorously fight ignorance on the existence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS so that it could achieve its goal of combating the scourge.

Giving a welcome address at ACHAP first ever award giving ceremony held in Gaborone on August 15, Mrs Phumaphi, who is also ACHAP Board chairperson, noted that when HIV/AIDS was first discovered in the country, people were not aware of it as it was a new disease.

She however noted that it would be a sad realisation and misinformation to allude that many people across the breath and length of the country still did not know about its prevalence as the country had been heavily investing on its mitigation. 

Mrs Phumaphi, who also unwaveringly paid tribute to ACHAP for its sterling job over the past 14 years, said Botswana had, in the past two decades, learnt how to fight the epidemic and will further put more emphasis on eliminating ignorance about the scourge.

She was also elated that ACHAP was able to stay its course on the fight against HIV thus encouraged members of the community to utilise available HIV/AIDS medication and other services provided by the government. 

She further told attendants that the awards were a sign of celebration which was shown by the spirit that kept them pushing for hope. 

Mrs Phumaphi also thanked former President Mr Festus Mogae for being inspirational and staying with them on the course.

ACHAP awards were introduced to recognise contribution made by its key stakeholders. 

The awards will give ACHAP and its implementing partners opportunity to showcase their efforts in delivering national HIV treatment and prevention programmes with remarkable success.

They also honour ACHAP partners who have made outstanding contributions to the health sector in Botswana as well as key individuals who have played a leading role in tackling HIV in Botswana.

Through the awards, individuals within the government at national/regional and district level who have played a lead role in improving health and welfare are also recognised and the Bill and Melinda Gates and Merck for funding the programme.

The awards also selected internal ACHAP star performers and also served as a close down of ACHAP 2 to launch ACHAP 3. 

Government and The Merck Foundation as well as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ALSO received partnership awards. 

Outstanding Public Sector Award was given to the Ministry of Health deputy permanent secretary, Mrs Shenaaz El-Halabi and Mr Obabaletse Elisha from public health.

The two dikgosi; Kgosi Maipolaelo Mohurutshe from Mahotshwane and Kgosi Sefhako Gaoboswe from Ramokgonami received Community Involvement Award while Orange Botswana was bestowed the Corporate Championship Award. 

Mrs Ada Mereyabone who has been with ACHAP since 2000 was recognised for long service while Ms Tirelo Ditshipi of The Midweek Sun Newspaper scooped the media award. 

Former President Mr Festus Mogae obtained Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Giving a vote of thanks, Prof. Alinah Segobye, who is ACHAP board member, said the wards were a part of the many incentive policies they have adopted for their employee retention strategy to ensure that skills and technical knowledge ACHAP has nurtured and developed over time are retained within the organisation. ENDS