07 May 2017

Men for Health and Gender Justice Organisation has experienced growth in terms of turnover and office space since restructuring in 2016.

Speaking at the Men for Health and Gender Justice Organisation launch recently, the  organisation's executive director, Mr Thatayotlhe Molefe said through the support of the US Embassy through PEPFAR, they had been able to grow from three employees to 15 staff members to date.

“Since 2014, the organisation has continued to operate with the generous support of the United States of America through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States of America Embassy funding in Botswana among other funders,” he said.

He said they were currently in partnership with BOFWA offering HTC test and psychological support for pre and post HIV test as well as coming up with initiatives to reduce and curb the high rates partner intimate violence and gender based violence.

“We reviewed our strategy to focus on service delivery towards achieving the United Nations’ cascade of 90-90-90 target,” he said.

He explained that they exist to mobilise men and boys for active involvement in the uptake of sexual reproductive health services, protection and lobbying for gender equality as well as access to quality, timely and appropriate care for men.

“In our quest to bridge the gap as well as take a pro-active role in being a sustainable organisation, Men for Health and Gender Justice Organisation put a proposal and was awarded P104 000 through the PEPFAR small grants to purchase a mobile printing machinery which we will use to provide printing and screening services to different clients,” he added

He said it would go a long way in helping the operations of the organisation as well as providing employment to community members.

For his part, the US ambassador, Mr Earl Miller said Botswana had the potential to achieve HIV/AIDS control, and that it had done a lot in coming up with programmes aimed at curbing the problem of high HIV/AIDS infections.

On the other hand, Mr Onkokame Mosweu, who is the programmes manager, said they wanted to change the lives of people in the communities they served.

He further noted that they dealt with men who had been imprisoned because it was difficult to come from prison and find a job.

Last year, the organisation hosted two ex-prisoners for internship. ENDS