09 Sep 2013

Ambassador Michelle Gavin of the United States has hailed Botswana Defence Force (BDF) for taking the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

Speaking during the handing over of HIV/AIDS information and resource centre, which was constructed through collaboration between BDF and department of defence from United States, she said BDF recognised the threat HIV/AIDS posed to the nation and to its forces.

Ms Gavin noted that the US defence department was proud to work closely with the military as a partner and ally adding the partnership between the two countries continued to grow and prosper as they worked side by side in many issues.

The US had provided over half a billion dollars in assistance to combat HIV/AIDS since the launch of the President’s Emergency Programme for HIV/AIDS Relief; known informally as PEPFAR.

In addition she revealed that the US has contributed P382 000 for the construction while BDF mobilised the necessary stakeholders to make the centre a reality and provided the internal furnishing, services and education material. Project Concern International (PCI) provided the technical expertise required for the completion of the centre.

“It is important to acknowledge the work of BDF in creating the centre as well as the PCI because without their dedication, the centre would not exist”, she added.

Ms Gavin noted that the goal of the centre is to provide HIV/AIDS information, education, counseling, testing and referral services to the camp population which includes military members, civilian employees and local dependents. She said in 2010, a BDF HIV Prevention Program review determined that although prevention services are generally available, the Maun Base Camp lacked the same level of access due to its distance from Gaborone and Francistown particularly in regard to current information services that can be accessed on demand. 

She said the centre will serve as a one stop shop with all the necessary resources to support BDF programs. “To create an AIDS free generation will take than just this information centre and there is no doubt, every small step take us closer to our goal”, she said.  Ms Gavin challenged staff to find additional ways to use the centre and its resources to combat HIV/AIDS.

For his part Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe said the significance of the facility bring hope and sense of belonging and also promote good relations between the two militaries and the communities they serve. 

He said Ngamiland district has been severely affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic adding the disease is mainly driven by heterosexual networks associated with the practice of multiple concurrent partnerships, alcohol abuse, intergenerational sex and low male circumcision rate.  “Your focus on these thematic areas as you continue with the good work in this region is highly appreciated”, he added.

BDF deputy commander Major General Placid Segokgo said the event marks yet another milestone in their collective reaffirmation, commitment and contribution to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

He said the project came as a result of mutual understanding and cooperation between the BDF and office of Defence Cooperation in American embassy. He said the facility will not only have positive impact to the lives of the soldiers but to a great extend to their families and the community of Maun at large.

He said it will promote a culture of reading and contribute to broadern knowledge base within the BDF. 

“ I also believe that this centre will contribute to keeping military personnel within the camp as it will be used as an entertainment area for those who are fond of reading”, he added. 

Major General Segokgo said the effective utilisation of the facility will support education and research as users will have access to most accurate information within shortest time and distance adding the agile application of knowledge obtained will significantly curb the tide of HIV by preventing new infections. 

He said the fight against HIV requires proficient knowledge and evidence based decision making and hoped that the facility will be used to its full potential by soldiers and their families. ENDS