08 Mar 2017

The youth are the hardest hit in terms of HIV/AIDS infections, says the Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development Mr Kefentse Mzwinila.

Speaking during the Month of Youth against Aids (MYAA) Commemoration Launch in Palapye recently, Mr Mzwinila said HIV/AIDS is still a concern as the country is still experiencing new infections, particularly amongst the youth.

He said statistics from the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey 2013 indicates HIV prevalence for the 15-19 years olds at 2.9 per cent for males and 6.4 per cent for females.

Age group 20-24 males recorded 5 per cent prevalence and females 14.7 per cent, while 25-29 age group recorded 13.2 per cent males and 27.1 per cent females.

Age group 30-34 recorded 26.8 per cent males and 0.3 per cent females.

He said these statistics are worrisome as the youth are the backbone of most economies and form the majority of the population.

Any major health impact on the youth, he said is clearly a major impact on the society.

“As we move towards Vision 2036 we endeavor to build a strong and vibrant HIV free nation that will usher Botswana into the next 50 years through youth who are responsible, respectful, accountable and who uphold strong moral values of Botho, Bonatla, Botlhaga and Botswerere.”

Furthermore the Mmadinare constituency legislator said to achieve these ideals, young people have to take responsibility, adding that their empowerment means their ability to impact upon their communities and the nation.

“We can beat this pandemic if we each work at it,” he said.

He said it is critical that as individuals do all they can to avoid new infections by supporting those infected and affected.

For her part Botswana National Youth Council chief programme officer Ms Emang Seabo urged youth to be proactive as they will be turning 20 years of existence on MYAA programmes.

She said the commemoration has been successful through the joint efforts of other sectors both public and private, who are key players in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

She said it is important to continue to offer knowledge and support to youth so that they do not get infected.

She called upon stakeholders to share experience with their ministry during this commemoration and throughout the month.

She applauded community leaders, parents and other stakeholders for their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

In addition Palapye Administrative Authority chairperson Mr Lesedi Phuthego said for the youth to achieve zero infections they need to change their behaviour and mind set, adding that it is high time the ministry includes moral and spiritual aspects into their programme. ENDS