04 Aug 2013

There is need for government to be alive to emerging needs and priorities in order to sharpen government’s programmes and policies.

This was said by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi when requesting Parliament to adopt the Draft Policy on HIV and AIDS 2012 as further informed by previous inputs and other consultative processes.

Mr Masisi said the objectives of the revised policy were to prevent the spread of HIV infection and reduce the socio-economic impact of the disease as well as create a policy environment for the provision of adequate and equitable care and support to those infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

 “It is in this regard that I reiterate the objectives of this revised policy as to reduce HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination towards persons infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS and draw attention to the compelling public health rationale for overcoming stigmatisation and discrimination against them in society,” he said.

Mr Masisi explained that the draft policy, which was tabled in the 2011 July/August Session, was withdrawn to allow for further consultation on some of the issues that were raised.

He said fundamental to the withdrawal of the policy was the nature of argument prevailing in Parliament during the debate on the policy depicting varying levels of comprehension of basic principles and concepts that underpin development of such a document.

“The debate on the policy as it ensued had the unintended effect of failing the intention of this policy in terms of its long term implementation, I therefore needed to consult further on some of the concerns that MPs raise,” he said. When debating the bill, MPs supported the revised policy saying government should continue being a torchbearer in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The MP for Tonota South, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said the minister should start to constantly speak about HIV and AIDS as was the case when former President Festus Mogae was still president.

“Former President Festus Mogae put AIDS at the forefront and brought the world ‘s attention to Botswana and that is how we got to receive help, that is how we managed to control the disease”,  he said. Kanye South legislator, Mr Abram Kesupile said research should be the core of the revised policy so as to further study HIV as well as AIDS related illnesses.

Mr Kesupile said a research centre could be established or it could be incorporated into an existing university.  ENDS