02 Dec 2021

Stepping Stones International deserve a pat on the back for transforming lives, especially adolescent girls and young women through PEPFAR’s Determined, Resilient, Empowered, Aids-Free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) programme, says US ambassador to Botswana, Craig Cloud. 

Mr Cloud who was speaking during a visit to Stepping Stones International and Makakatlela Clinic in Mochudi on Tuesday, applauded the facilities for applying the Start, Awareness, Support and Action (SASA) methodology under the DREAMS programme, to conduct community dialogues helped to identify gender-based violence in the community during the national lockdown.

 Makakatlela clinic midwife, Ms Kagelelo Kealeboga appreciated the US government’s assistance through PEPFAR. 

“We appreciate the Anti-Retro Viral prescription youth-friendly trainings, funding support, and continual monitoring and evaluation of the DREAMS programme.,” Ms Kealeboga said. 

She said they had screened 175 adolescent girls for the DREAMS programme, 158 of whom were eligible and 152 had enrolled. 

The six not enrolled was because their parents did not consent, she said. 

“Unfortunately, we currently do not have a social worker but are liaising with those based at the district council,” she stated.

Regarding statistics of gender-based violence cases registered at the clinic, Ms Kealeboga said five cases of sexual abuse had been registered in the 20-24 age group and two in the 15-19 age group this year. 

As for physical abuse, she said they registered 15 cases, nine of which were registered in the 20-24 age group and six in the 15-19 age group. 

She said the clinic registered 29 girls for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the previous year 15 of who were in the 20-24 age group and added that 532 HIV/AIDS tests, 453 STI screening and 565 family planning services were done this year. Ends