04 Sep 2018

Behavioural, social and spiritual change have been identified as the most crucial interventions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Mr Biggie Butale told Mochudi recently that Botswana should therefore intensify efforts on these most crucial interventions through churches.

Speaking during the launch of the month of prayer against AIDS in the village, Mr Butale said churches specialised in behavioural, social and spiritual change and should thus instill it in all members of the community.

Mr Butale said the scripture prohibiting sexual relations outside marriage clearly bode well for the zero new infections goal.
more HIV infections.

Mr Butale said this year’s theme “#HIVFreeGeneration: My Health, God’s Heartbeat” was derived from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

He said through God all things were possible and even those who affected by the disease should be faithful to God.

The assistant minister advised those in attendance to share the word of God with others and encourage them to turn to God as he is the saviour and can grant all they need.

Mr Butale encouraged the youth to change their lifestyles to righteousness and fulfilling the Lord’s desires than their own adding that it was time for them to know their place in society and the country at large and resort to good behaviour.

He said though HIV prevalence in the general population in Botswana had almost stabilised at 17.6 per cent in 2008 and 18.5 per cent in 2013, new HIV infections had slightly reduced from 1.45 per cent in 2008 to 1.35per cent in 2013.

He said it was high time traditional leaders discussed lobola with the view to reducing it and to enable singles to marry and stick to one partner as they were the most affected by HIV/AIDS.

Mr Butale said efforts such as Re A Nyalana programme were fruitful but some still chose to cohabit and live in sin thereby increasing new infections.

He said the month of prayer against AIDS aims at helping society to address and intensify efforts on social ills that lead to

National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) coordinator, Mr Richard Matlhare said Botswana was third in HIV prevalence globally after Eswatini and Lesotho.

He said over 384 000 people in the country were living with HIV with more females affected at 20.8 per cent compared to 15.6 per cent of males.

Mr Matlhare said government had made efforts to reduce HIV infections from 15 000 to 10 000 infections annually with such programmes as Treat All and Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT).

The war, he said,  was still far from over with 50 per cent  of women aged 35 living with AIDS and 36.3 per cent of Batswana not knowing their status.

He revealed that condom use had dropped from 78.4 to 65.2 per cent, which was a shock as it was believed to be the most trusted prevention.

Mr Matlhare said a 2016 Ministry of Education report indicated that 22 per cent of the 13-19 year olds had had sexual intercourse with 13 per cent being transactional sex while 22 per cent had forced sex.

He said Kgatleng was sixth out of the 26 districts with Selebi Phikwe leading the pack followed by Francistown.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Bana Sekai thanked the government for caring for people living with HIV/AIDS and giving them medication.

He said it was the responsibility of individuals to take care of themselves by addressing their challenges rather than letting the challenges address them.

Kgosi Sekai encouraged people to take care of each other by lending a helping hand to those in need in line with Setswana culture.

National Chairperson of BOCAIP, Mr Albert Tamado said prayer changed everything in an individual including their way of life and thus encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to turn to God.

He said the month of prayer was for all individuals to pray in groups, pairs and families for affected loved ones and the nation at large.

Mr Tamado said with God, everything can be achieved and with understanding and communication love is spread. Ends