09 Oct 2013

Churches have been urged to improve their knowledge of HIV and AIDS dynamics so that they can be in a better position to address and talk about such issues with their congregations.

Speaking at the month of prayer against HIV/AIDS national closing ceremony in Francistown on October 8, the deputy director of FHI360, Ms Barbara Mudanga highlighted that sick people no matter what they were suffering from, preferred to seek refuge at the church, where they believed they will get help before even going to health facilities.

She said it was therefore imperative for churches to be ready to address such situations without being judgemental.

Ms Mudanga noted that a recent study conducted by their organisation revealed that although 80 per cent of Batswana were Christians and God fearing people, they were however, the most discriminating people. She said these were some of the reasons that churches in general needed to introspect and find ways of addressing and dealing with such cases.

She advised church leaders to organise counselling sessions within the church, where they could offer social support to the affected people who needed their help.

Furthermore, Ms Mudanga implored them to put their words into practise, instead of preaching proper moral behaviour and doing the opposite.

She said although there were organisations that were helping government to intensify the battle against HIV and AIDS, Batswana as a nation should not be seen to be overlooking the numbers of affected people, which currently stands at 300 000. These people should be contributing to the development and the economy of the country, as well as supporting their families.

She implored the nation to make it a priority to stop the spread of the virus. Giving a brief overview, National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) information, education and communication manager, Mr Joseph Kefas said although there has been a decline in HIV and AIDS deaths from 22 000 annually in from 2001 to almost 5 700 annually in recent years, this does not mean that the country has won the battle against AIDS.

Mr Kefas said the situation still calls for Batswana to continue the fight until the country is able to record a zero new infections rate.  He added that research has indicated that young children from the age of 14 are sexually active and such children have contracted sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), which are exposing them to the HIV virus.

He said parents need to think seriously about their responsibilities as parents, and to make it a point to know the whereabouts of their children at all times.  

Mr Kefas also challenged parents to talk with their children about sexual issues and its implications on one’s health if they do not practice safe sex.

The day was held under the theme ‘Building Botswana through commitment to zero new infections.” Ends