31 Oct 2019

Maun will host this year’s World HIV and AIDS commemoration scheduled for December 1. 

 This year’s commemoration, to be held at Maun Sports Complex under the theme, Right to health, will be graced by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

 The event is also expected to attract representatives from different embassies, senior government officials, district leadership and other stakeholders.

In an interview, acting district HIV and AIDS coordinator, Ms Nametso Sebitla said preparations had started with different sub-committees already having been formed.

She said P394 000 was budgeted the event organised by the district in collaboration National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA).

Ms Sebitla said the local organising committee had allowed pre-events including a soccer tournament organised by the Men Sector, a  health fair targeting Sunday social clubs as part of the commitment to fight against HIV and AIDS and emerging public health challenges.

Men Sector, she said, was concerned with the low uptake of men in Safe Male Circumcision and were planning to put up stalls where they could interact with the general public but targeting men to convey circumcision messages.

She said the event would be used to clear  misconceptions and allay fears about circumcision.

During the tournament, she said, other stakeholders would also have an opportunity to engage and educate the public on their health services.

Ms Sebitla said there would also offer HIV testing, screening for circumcision and other diseases. 

She said low HIV testing rate among men remained a concern and believed that the event would produce expected results.

Men Sector, she said, was also concerned about the high incidence of gender-based violence saying the event would give them an opportunity to tackle such issues.

Ms Sebitla expressed appreciation for the active role played by civil society in the district in an effort to promote a healthy environment and good health.

She said her office was enjoying a good working relationship with civil organisations as they were playing a key role in expanding HIV knowledge.

She cited organisations such as BOFWA, Men Sector, Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) and Men for Gender Justice saying they continued to play their part in the fight against HIV and AIDS in order to achieve zero infections.

BOFWA, she said, offered exclusive friendly services accessed by many young people and some individuals because of their uniqueness while Men for Gender Justice tackled issues of stigma.

She expressed disappointment at the high level of teenage pregnancy in the district currently at 12.3 per cent.

Queen Esther Organisation was also hailed for taking the lead in preaching abstinence and offering like skills coaching to young people.

Queen Esther is a non-governmental organisation that empowers the girl child and youth by training them on life and leadership skills through school outreach, peer to peer, counselling and mentorship.

The organisation also uses school outreach to carry out gender education and HIV and AIDS prevention interventions among young people.

Ms Sebitla said the organisation was unique as it worked with traditional leaders to tackles issues of child marriages. ENDS