07 Mar 2016

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST) in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture (MYSC) have commemorated the Month of Youth Against HIV and AIDS (MYAA) under the theme; Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS Related Deaths.

Speaking at the commemoration on Friday March 4, the permanent secretary for Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr Dikagiso Mokotedi said his ministry is among the ministries that have a high mobile young population and most of them are well educated in specialised fields like engineering, science and its allied professions.

“As a ministry, we believe that we have to do our part to conscientise these professionals and others in our country about the HIV and AIDS pandemic,” he said.

He encouraged  Francistown residents to empower and sensitise young people on the HIV and AIDS pandemic in order to create a society of no new infections, as numerous studies have always made the link between substance abuse and increased risk behavior of HIV infection.

Mr Mokotedi noted that being a mobile population brings its own challenges, which need one to be disciplined and be able to refrain from all the temptations that can lead to one getting infected with HIV and AIDS. Furthermore, he noted that government  has over the years invested  in developing young talents and if all these talents fall prey to the pandemic, then the government stands to lose.

Francistown Network of Support Groups (FNSG) representative, Ms Sibatheni Phakala, who is living with the HIV infection has advised those who are living with the infection to not shy away. She said being positive is something not to be ashamed of rather one has to be open about the condition, accept it, practice safe sex all the time, eat healthy and exercise to keep the body fit and to refrain from drug and alcohol abuse.

Ms Phakala encouraged those who have not yet tested to do so and further stated that it is upon individuals to change mindset and their behavioral approach towards HIV and AIDS. 

Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy expressed concern over some elders’ behaviour  who still abuse children and appealed to those elders to desist from intergenerational relationships.

Mr Billy also advised the youth to refrain from activities such as alcohol and drug abuse, commercial sex, intergenerational relationships, multiple and concurrent sexual relationships as they put their lives at risk of contracting  infections including HIV and AIDS. ENDS