08 Oct 2013

Some residents of Otse and Mogobane in the South East District say they welcome the proposal, in terms of the Public Health Act, to make HIV testing compulsory.

The residents said during a recent kgotla meeting addressed by the MP for South East South, Mr Odirile Motlhale, that HIV/AIDS was shrouded in secrecy, which augured ill for fight against the disease. Mr Ramonne Mosikare, a Mogobane resident, warned that Botswana would not win the fight against HIV-related diseases if it continued to condone secrecy about HIV.

Another resident, Mr Lesedi Motlhankane, said other life-threatening diseases such as cancer and high blood pressure were not given the same secrecy. He opined that the Public Health Act could also have made it compulsory for employers to know the status of their employees, especially in cases where employees looked after children.

In Otse, Mr Dan Matsatse said the Public Health Act would encourage Batswana to know their status and take necessary precautions against the disease. However, another resident, Mr Itireleng Mosime, said although the decision appeared to be good, it could deter some residents from visiting clinics and hospitals.

Earlier, Mr Motlhale remarked that patients visiting health care facilities would be subjected to HIV testing if there was need. He explained that decision would be made mainly to help address the condition of the patient. Mr Motlhale said Public Health Act empowered medical practitioners to divulge the status of their patients to the care givers or immediate family members even if such patients are not willing.

He added that it was illegal for partners not to disclose their HIV status before engaging in sex. The law also makes it illegal for one of the partners to disclose the HIV status to the third party.

The Public Health Act also provides for the establishment of the organ bank to support the university teaching hospital. Mr Motlhale appealed to the residents to support the initiative for the development of Botswana’s health sector.

He also told the residents that the land policy would be brought to Parliament during its session that starts next month. The land policy intends to address some of the problems regarding land distribution and usage. Ends