06 Mar 2013

People living with HIV/AIDS should be truthful about their status and take a lead in fighting against the virus which is spreading at a high rate, Miss Stigma free has said.

Officiating at the launch of the Positive Health Dignity and Prevention programme (PHDP) in Lehututu recently, Mrs Emisang Setlhogile said if only people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS can accept themselves and be open to their partners about their status, that could help stop the virus from spreading and save the lives of other people. “Let us stop spreading HIV as if we are planting seeds in a farm but stop it,” she said.

Mrs Setlhogile said she was having a problem with people who at this time still shy away from going to the hospitals for their treatment and also default from treatment. She said people should take ARV treatment seriously when they still have a chance of getting them free since in the near future they might be buying it for themselves.

Miss Stigma free said by coming out and disclosing her status to the public, she has contributed positively in changing the mindset of many people living with the virus, adding that she has helped to reduce issues of suicide upon those affected people as well as issues of discrimination that was also affecting the people living with HIV.

Since she started being Miss Stigma free in 2005 until now, Mrs Setlhogile said she has fought the battle and she is now in search of the one who will take the crown from her and continue with the vision in fighting HIV.

The chairman of the Kgalagadi North Council, honorable councillor Mr Kekgethile Moseru said youth as tomorrow’s future should put God as their first priority as He is the only one to protect them.

”Let your shoes focus on the way that you are taking and do not look back, look upon God alone for you to have life in abundance and that is not of depending in ARVS,” He said.

PHDP program aims at an intergrated approach to delivery of HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support services as well as promoting coordination of services to people living with HIV. Ends