22 Oct 2015

Acting President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has thanked Botswana’s third president, Dr Festus Mogae for his relentless fight against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at a farewell dinner hosted in honour of Dr Mogae by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) at Tlotlo Hotel in Gaborone on Wednesday (October 21), Mr Masisi said it was pleasing to note that Dr Mogae, who was also the chairperson of the National AIDS Council, had the vision and passion to safe his country from dying because of the disease.

He said it was also encouraging that Dr Mogae publicly acknowledged that the country was under threat from HIV/AIDS. He said to show his commitment towards the fight against HIV/AIDS, Dr Mogae became the chairperson of NACA so as to take the bull by its horns.

Dr Mogae’s fight against HIV/AIDS was not only confined locally, he said, but was also extended internationally. He added that  his work should be cherished and recognised as it was done with passion and commitment to safe humankind. Mr Masisi called upon fellow citizens to take the fight against HIVAIDS seriously by being responsive and committing to a common position in thefight against the dreaded disease.

He further extended his gratitude to former vice president, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe and business mogul, Mr Satar Dada for their commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

For his part, Dr Mogae said in the 49 years of Botswana’s self-rule, HIV/AIDS became one of the major challenges which the country had to grapple with, as it threatened to reverse the gains made by the country.

He said HIV/AIDS threatened to derail the country from achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs), adding that it was the reason  why he stood up during the United Nations summit in 2001 and asked for assistance while other leaders shied away.

He said HIV/AIDS was causing unbearable repercussions in most sectors of the economy to the extent that the country had to introduce the Home Based Care programme as there was no accommodation  to admit patients in various hospitals across the country.

Dr Mogae noted that  Botswana was not the only affected country as the challenge was facing the rest of Africa. 

He said despite the challenges facing the country, Botswana and ordinary citizens relentlessly fought the battle. He said in some parts of Africa, efforts to fight the desease were regressing and warned against any complacency. 

He noted that Botswana had to recruit health professionals such as retired nurses to mitigate the challenge.

A member of the AIDS Council, Kgosi Puso Gaborone said Dr Mogae deserves to be praised for his heroic work for the country as he took a resolute and informed decision in responding to the scourge. He also paid tribute to those who were still at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ends