22 Nov 2018

Botswana has taken the lead in spearheading HIV/AIDS programmes hence the need to embark on Jwaneng mayor’s 90-90-90 test drive campaign, Jwaneng township community educator, Mr Joseph Kefas has said.

The campaign, which aims at ending AIDS by 2020, was held under the theme: HIV free generation by 2020; It is my responsibility. It encompasses preventative strategies that include door-to-door community mobilisation and testing campaigns covering all wards.

Mr Kefas said the launch aims that 90 per cent of the people who were HIV positive got tested and knew their status and that 90 per cent of those tested were enrolled on ARV therapy through the Treat All initiative and that 90 per cent of those receiving ARV therapy would be virally suppressed.

He said the initiative came as a result of a meeting that was held in Paris, France, in December 2014 attended by all city mayors around the world, and that the ‘Paris declaration on fast track cities was agreed.

He said it focused on leading fast track action towards achieving 90-90-90 targets by 2020 as part of the new global resolve towards ending AIDS by 2030.

The mayor of Gaborone, Mr Kagiso Thutlwe was elected chairperson of the Southern Africa region mayors to champion the initiative.

He said political commitment was pivotal in pushing forward prevention messages, mobilising communities for testing and the uptake of health services.

“Jwaneng is a small town with a population of about 18 000 and HIV prevalence is at 12.8 per cent. It has the highest prevalence rate amongst females at 16.7 per cent whereas their male counterparts stand at 8.5 per cent. I believe if there is political will our communities will respond positively to HIV prevention and uptake of health services to keep the prevalence rate of the township lower than the national rate which currently stands at 18  per cent,” he said.

He said a strong political will could help shape the campaign and influence the public’s attitude, knowledge and practice with regards to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

He said the initiative challenges individuals and groups as well as institutions to commit to the initiative mandate through a multi-sectoral approach which included partnerships with all stakeholders in the district and at the national level.

He said optimising the combination prevention approach through ARV, prevention of mother-to-child-transmission, appropriate condom use and voluntary safe male circumcision, was key in minimising the impact of the epidemic.

He further said it was imperative that various ways of ensuring the worthy efforts were sustained irrespective of any economic or political landscape.

Mr Kefas also urged individuals to access services offered in the district through the mayors 90-90-90 campaign and take personal responsibility at all times.

“Let us make HIV testing one of our basic needs. I believe if one tested, the whole family will test, and this will contribute towards numbers and ultimately the population of Jwaneng,” he said.

He applauded the Jwaneng community and leadership for their positive response since the initiative commenced early this month.

“As part of the build-up activities for the launch the mayor has managed to mobilise for testing over 300 people and they know their status. We must applaud the Jwaneng community and leadership for the positive response. This is patriotism of the highest order. We are protecting and saving our lives and our loved ones,” said Mr Kefas. ENDS