30 Aug 2016

Different churches gathered in Gaborone on Sunday to officially launch September as the month of prayer against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking on behalf of the Assistant Minister of Health, Gaborone mayor, Mr Kagiso Thutlwe, said month of prayer against HIV/AIDS dated as far back as 1996.

“Those were the days when HIV and AIDS were so rampant. Since 1996, Batswana have without fail continued to turn to the Lord almighty in prayer and supplication every year during the same month,” he said.

Mr Thutlwe noted that month of prayer was a time when individuals, families and communities got together to seek the face of God.

He said although Botswana was left with less than 50 days to celebrate and rejoice the peace as well as the tranquility given by God, the 30 years of struggle trying to fight HIV could not be ignored anyhow.

“HIV prevention is still a serious challenge to individuals, families, societies and the government as we still notice new infections each year, particurlaly among young people and females,” he said.

Mr Thutlwe explained that HIV had changed the tradition set up of the Setswana culture as it compelled discussion of sexuality and homesexuality issues that were considered to be a taboo.

He said the church was expected to play a leadership role in the fight against HIV because it had more authority to direct the nation towards healthy living and achievement of good moral behaviour.

“I urge the   church to unite in raising prayers to the almighty with one voice for God to heal Botswana. Time has come for the church to raise people of integrity in this country, who can be role models to our youth and the nation,”said Mr Thutlwe.

Meanwhile, Mr Thutlwe commended the leaders and national structures of the church and faith based organisations for facilitating the activities of the Month of prayer in the different villages over the years.

In her remarks, national coordinator of NACA Ms Grace Muzila said Botswana had many success stories in issues of HIV and AIDS.

She said since 1985 when the first person was diagnosed with HIV, Botswana had been doing all it could  to provide answers to the epidemic.

Ms Muzila noted that even though Botswana is still amongst the countries with high prevalence of HIV, coming second after Swaziland, there are success stories in terms of innovations for HIV/ADS.

She said Botswana was the first country in 1999 to introduce the PMTCT programme as well as the first in the Sub Saharan countries to provide free ARV drugs.

However, Ms Muzila said HIV and AIDS deaths, people need to change behavior and rather to turn to God in order to fight HIV/AIDS, adding that there is need to talk to God and   listen to his instruction.

For his part, Pastor Jobe Koosimile of BOCAIP said the theme: Our health, Our Responsibility, United in Ending New HIV Infections was in line with the World HIV/AIDS mandate of getting to zero new infections, AIDS related death as well as zero to stigma and discrimination.

This year, he said, Botswana celebrated 50 years under the theme: A united and Proud Nation and it as well ensemble the prayer theme, which emphasised on working together as a unity to fight the epidemic.

Pastor Koosimile also said the theme also relates to the chosen scripture in 1st Corinthians 10:23, which was picked as to make people take responsibilities of their works. ENDS