25 Oct 2023

It is crucial for society to embrace a progressive mindset that acknowledges the possibility of eliminating AIDS rather than perpetuating the misconception that it is an incurable curse, says Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng.

The minister who was speaking at the AIDS Pitso in Gaborone October 25 said a recent report by UNAIDS underscored that the end of AIDS was possible.

He said Botswana was one of the five countries globally which had already achieved the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, and currently stood at 95-98-98.

“We have since been given a new target as a country by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, to achieve 100-100-100, and this is the direction we are headed.”

Mr Morwaeng said the country’s achievements were a result of a combination of factors and embracing new evidence, respecting partnerships, as well as strong and vibrant civil society organizations in addition to community involvement and commitment, and a committed workforce in the field of HIV.

He said the country recently carried out a comprehensive joint review of the Third National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS.

“This review assessed the progress made and challenges faced and proposed concrete recommendations on the strategic shifts needed for the next two years,” said the minister adding that such would also take Botswana to the last mile towards ending AIDS.

Mr Morwaeng also said though government funded nearly two thirds of the HIV/AIDS response, it appreciated its the partners’ solidarity and commitment.

“This notwithstanding, we remain alive to the reality that, there will come a time when external assistance may not be feasible, and that we will have to take responsibility in the  financial and programme management,” he said.

The National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) Coordinator, Mr Ontiretse Letlhare said the three day Pitso looked into reaching the last miles of ending AIDS by 2030 as well as to sustain the achievements  made.

He further said NAHPA team was committed to leading the country to ending the pandemic, adding that the Pitso sessions among others focused on whether the funding structure of the response was sustainable going into the future.

The UNAIDS Country director and Representative, Mr Alankar Malviya said that HIV/AIDS was not only a disease but a social issue, hence inequalities mattered during the discussions.

He said Botswana started the HIV/AIDS response on a crisis mode and had now reached pandemic control, hence the new response should focus on sustainability and efficiency among others.

The Pitso was organised by NAHPA with support of partners such as UNAIDS, the Global Fund and PEPFAR. ENDs