29 Sep 2018

The anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs that government gives to patients have reduced HIV/AIDS-related deaths.

Speaking at closure of Month of Prayer Against HIV/AIDS  in Gaborone, permanent secretary in the Ministry for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi, said reports showed that HIV positive people were no longer losing lives in large numbers.

Mr Modimoosi said government was doing everything possible to minimize spread of the virus and protect people from new infections.

He appreciated the pivotal role played by faith based organizations in coming up with an initiative of praying for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

He added that inspiration and guidance should be taken from the Bible in 1 Corinthians 6 verse 19, which states that, “our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit”.

Mr Ramodimoosi pointed out that such partnership  strengthened the government’s goal of ending HIV\AIDS by 2030 and to reduce HIV infections by 75 per cent by 2020 adding that, through commitment, the goals were achievable.

The prayer closure, he said, did not mean to set aside the knowledge about the effect and impact of HIV/AIDS on communities and families. “We must continue taking good care of ourselves to avoid new infections and to counsel others on issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS,” he added.

He also said the closure of month of prayer did not mean prayer was closed but people should continue to pray for those infected or affected.

For her part, Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) coordinator, Ms Goitsemang Morekisi said people should seek God in prayer adding that by so doing he will answer their prayers. Ms Morekisi said whatever God was asked for in prayer will surely be granted.

She quoted the bible in the book of 2 Chronicles 7 verse 14 which says: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. ENDS