29 Jun 2016

Botswana Network for People living With Aids (BONEPWA) senior community treatment support officer says senior citizens need special care and treatment as a way of appreciating their contribution to the development of the country. 

Mr Stanley Monageng who was speaking at the launch of the Ntloolongwae ward Bagodi support group recently said ensuring that senior citizens stay in conducive environments, assuring proper taking of medications and giving them some attention bring about spiritual happiness which is an important aspect in their health.

 “This support group is the product of my observation as a health practitioner in this ward. I got touched many times when I encountered the disabled and senior citizen abandoned with kids, and sometimes get sick with no one to take care of them hence the idea to establish this group,” he said.

Mr Monageng said he started the group in March this year as a non-profiting organisation pivoted in volunteerism to take care of the elderly and the disabled by providing counseling support and other needs.

He urged the community to volunteer and join the support group as that would add value to the development of the society, adding that the group has a dream to build a recreational facility for senior citizens in Molepolole.

Mr Monageng said senior citizens have contributed a lot to the development of the current Botswana and as such it was befitting for the new generation to return the favour by ensuring their wellbeing. He therefore pleaded for any kind of donations to meet their intended objectives.

For her part, the HIV/AIDS activist at Matlo-go-sha-mabapi Counseling Centre, Ms Leabaneng Masedi encouraged the elderly living with HIV/AIDS to accept their status, accept the ARV therapy in order to pave way for the voluntary care givers that would be visiting them at their homes.

She noted that, as compared to about two decades back when she tested HIV positive, stigma was at its peak, but nowadays HIV/AIDS was no more a threat to human life, only if the individuals take note of the health official advice.  

Kgosi Boyce Mookotsane of Ntloolongwae ward appreciated the spirit of volunteerism amongst the group members and welcomed the launch of the group noting that “this brings into reality the values of Botho, compassion and a caring nation as espoused by the national vision.” Ends