10 Oct 2017

Even though the country has been striving in the fight against HIV and AIDS for over 30 years, HIV prevention is still a serious challenge not only to government, but to individuals, families and the society as a whole.

Speaking at the National Closure of Month of Prayer against AIDS at Letlhakeng on Sunday, the acting national coordinator of the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA), Mr Joseph Kefas said government still noted with concern the growing rate of new infections each year, particularly amongst young women.

He said nearly half of women aged between 30-35 years were estimated to be HIV positive in Botswana, a worrisome situation.

Mr Kefas however, cautiously advised that such should not mean stakeholders should exclude boys and young men in initiatives geared towards the fight against the scourge.

In addition to the alarming rate of infection amongst young women, he said BAIS IV reported that the national prevalence was 18.5 per cent, estimating that in a population of two million, approximately 403 326 people in Botswana are living with HIV.

He however, said that the national incidence rate was estimated at 1.35 per cent, a decline from 2008 BAIS III report which put it at 1.45 per cent.

That means that approximately 10 000 people in the country are infected with the virus every year.

Mr Kefas also urged the church not to turn a blind eye to the fight against HIV and AIDS, as they play a leadership role as the pillars and strength of the communities.

“Churches are the shapers of our communities and are best placed to ignite behavioural change in our communities for an HIV free generation. It all starts with one person, one prayer and one change,” he said.

On the 90-90-90 UNAIDS Fast Track Targets that Botswana adopted to achieve epidemic control by 2030, Mr Kefas said that ‘currently the country stands at 75 per cent on the programme data aspect, having moved from 63.7 per cent recorded in 2013 BAIS V survey.’

He said on ARV enrolment, Botswana is currently at 75 per cent while on the aspect of viral suppression, the country has already surpassed the set target and it stands at 94 per cent. ENDS