06 Sep 2015

Botswana International University of Science and Technology director for pre university academic programmes, Dr Haniso Motlhabane says stigma contributes to high HIV/AIDS cases.

Speaking during the Month of Prayer at Palapye Hospital, Dr Motlhabane said HIV/AIDS carries stigma and discrimination. He said stigma and discrimination had led to infected people not seeking medical assistance. He said there was need to change negative attitudes towards those living with HIV/AIDS.

The day was held under the theme: Our bodies are temples of God, say no to new infections.

Dr Motlhabane said people should refrain from new infections. He said it was pleasing to note that prevalence rates across the country had declined.

“This decline is most significant amongst our youth who are the most vulnerable group,” he said.

He said the nation had to build on the positive outcome and ensure that the message was sustained so that the nation could achieve the goal of an AIDS free generation. He said according to the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) report of 2008, the national HIV prevalence stood at 17.6 per cent.

He said the number was much higher when compared to 2013. 

Palapye Hospital chief medical officer, Dr Kipanzula Monga said the government has set aside this month as a month of prayer to remember those who were affected and  infected. The day was held with the aim of finding a solution on how best to scale down the spread of AIDS and to stop new infections. Ends