08 Aug 2013

Members of Parliament have said education on HIV and AIDS has to continue as the pandemic still affects the nation.

Debating the National HIV and AIDS policy in parliament, Nkange MP Edwin Batshu said the availability of anti-retroviral drugs has made Batswana to be more relaxed as people no longer die like they used to.

Mr Batshu said since the policy is aimed at zero transmission by 2016, more effort is needed in educating the public.

He said DMSAC is no longer active yet every Motswana has a duty to educate others about the disease. However, he is pleased the Men Sector organisation is active as men have now started to undergo tests.  

Maun West MP Tawana Moremi said he is surprised the policy is silent on homosexuals saying they need to be recognized as well. 

He said researchers have stated that these people have a high risk of HIV infection.

MP Moremi further said he is concerned that the policy is silent on marital rape and HIV in prisons.

He said although the prisoners have condemned the distribution of condoms in prisons as they do not engage in sexual activities, the government should go ahead with the distribution nonetheless.

On morality, MP Tawana said he was disturbed at the way parliament never says anything whenever an MP is in the media for wrong reasons.

He said it is important to issue statements even when parliament is concerned such as when it carrying out its own investigations in order to protect its integrity.

Gaborone South MP Kagiso Molatlhegi said banks and insurance companies discriminate as customers are asked to go for HIV test and if they test positive the amount they requested is affected.

He also said the policy is silent on the care of adolescents although they need extra care especially since they are in their discovery years.

Boteti North MP Slumber Tsogwane said although the government is concerned, everything however needs to be done within the boundaries of human rights.

He said patient’s consent to testing has to be sought adding that the doctor-patient confidentiality must also be respected. ENDS