04 Jun 2023

Botswana Christian Health &AIDS Intervention Program (BOCHAIP) CEO has highlighted the need for collective efforts in order to successfully eliminate HIV/AIDS by the year 2030.

Speaking during the Kanye district candle light memorial recently, Ms Bridget Mphusu said everyone was either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS hence the need for all to work together to eliminate it.

She explained that even though there was considerable progress in the fight against the virus, there was now a challenge of reduction of support from international donors due to the country’s improved economic ranking.

Ms Mphusu, therefore, appealed to all under different sectors to actively and meaningfully play their part to sustain the gains that Botswana had achieved to date in the fight against HIV.

The CEO highlighted that this year’s theme: Spread Love and Solidarity to Build Stronger Communities, put responsibility on each individual.

She pointed out that love could be spread by providing support to those infected by HIV, those struggling to adhere to treatment without judging, those struggling with co-morbidities as well as those who had lost loved ones.

“We no longer have to loose anyone in this modern day of universal coverage of treatment,” she added.

She said experience had shown that men and women accessed health services differently, adding that 12 843 people tested for HIV in Kanye district between April 2022 and March 2023, with 4 261 of them being males while 8 582 were females.

Ms Mphusu therefore urged men to stand up for their health, urging ‘men take your God given right to lead.”

She further advised against disclosing other people’s HIV status without their consent.

“Se tshege yo o oleng, mareledi a sale pele. You might be HIV negative today, but that status could change,” she said.

She urged different organisations, especially in the private sector to support their employees and allow them go for medical check-ups.

Nursing Superintendent at Kanye DHMT Ms Thuso Moreki advised against discrimination, which she said could discourage  those infected from seeking medical help.

“All those infected by HIV should have easy access to treatment, therefore we should support them rather than make it hard for them,” she said.

Ms Moreki also urged everyone to take responsibility for their health, further highlighting the need to love and support those infected.

Ms Sethunya Phoza, Centre Supervisor at BOCHAIP said the objective of the event was to remember those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.

She said the day also honoured those still alive, living with HIV as well as those who were active in the fight against the virus.

The event, she said further intended to fight against discrimination and abuse of infected people, which had negative effects such as not adhering to medication. ENDS