31 Aug 2020

Health and wellness minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has called for concerted efforts in the fight against both HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

Kickstarting the Month of Prayer Against HIV/AIDS and COVUD-19 activities in Sefhare on Sunday, Dr Dikoloti said HIV/AIDS had been a devastating ordeal for the country for many years.

HIV/AIDS impacted negatively on the economy hence the need to take precautionary measures to prevent its spread.

About COIVID-19, he warned that the pandemic might spread like wild fire if not handled properly with devastating consequences.

He said non-communicable diseases were also of great concern and therefore advised people to lead healthy lifestyles.

Dr Dikoloti commended faith based organisations for playing a major role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying government also recognised their input in combating COVID-19.

“We should help faith based organisations to tackle the disease and prevent the transmissions,” he said.

He thanked the US government for assisting in the fight against both HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

Meanwhile, US ambassador Mr Graig Cloud encouraged Batswana to continue building on the foundation the country had to fight HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

He said faith based communities were central and played a very important role in society as they drove the power of words and messages about getting past HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.

He explained that a month  had been dedicated for prayer against HIV because “prayer does work and prayer has power”.

Ambassador Cloud said prayer against HIV had been answered in that ARVs were now available. 

“The US government recognizes that we cannot win the fight against HIV/AIDS and now COVID-19 without the help of faith leaders or faith based communities.

That is why the government of the USA has a community based initiative that works with civil society organisations, communities at large and schools to help combat the HIV scourge and COVID-19, and also to teach people about health safety, what is right and wrong and how to respond to sexual abuse in the community,” he said.

Noting that stigma had always been a problem with HIV/AIDS, Mr Cloud said the power of prayer could help people change.

It was very important to share information that could help fight such diseases, he said.

He said faith leaders and legislators had an obligation to stop and prevent violence against children.

Ambassador Cloud further explained that domestic violence and HIV/AIDS were not the only challenges that needed to be tackled hands on but COVID-19 also posed a challenge to society.

People should adhere to  COVID-19 protocols and make sure the disease did not spread, he said.

Mr Cloud said it was time for men to play a leading role in the fight against domestic violence, HIV and COVID- 19.

For his part, Sefhare/ Ramokgonami MP, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang said Botswana  would overcome COVID-19, gender based violence and abuse of children as long as people worked together.

He mentioned that shortage of water in the area might hinder the country’s efforts and progress in combating COVID-19.

 

He called on the community to work together with police to combat the scourge and guard against illegal border crossings. BOPA