23 Mar 2014

Ramotswa youth have been encouraged to know their HIV status as a way of fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.   

This was said by different speakers during the Month of Youth against AIDS (MYAA) event held by the Ramotswa Scripture Union  in conjunction with Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) recently.

In his welcome remarks, the Scripture Union (SU) representative, Mr Kabo Mosenyi explained that the objective of the event was to remind the youth about the HIV/ AIDS pandemic.

He also said as a non-profit making organisation, they were aiming at changing people’s lives, teaching both the young and the old to be God fearing and to live positive lifestyles.

For his part, Tswelelopele Brigade head of guidance and counselling, Mr Mooketsi said statistics showed that about 5 700 people died every day because of HIV and almost half of the infected people were females of ages ranging from 15 to 40 years.

He also said generally HIV/AIDS was reported to be at a highest prevalence rate in the northern part of Botswana. Mr Mooketsi said HIV testing and counselling for couples was introduced in 2008 and is mostly encouraged.

He said it was important for couples to test together because this strengthened the relationship and promoted trust. He also said this enabled couples to share information on care and treatment together.

Mr Mooketsi noted that despite all the HIV / AIDS campaigns people continue to get infected because of lack of behavioural change. He said that people are aware of the modes of HIV/AIDS transmission, but their behaviour and attitudes have not changed and this places them at a high risk.

He also said people should heed the messages of safe male circumcision, abstinence, consistent and proper use of condoms as well as being faithful.

Meanwhile Pastor Elliot Garetshele of the Ministers of Reconciliation International church encouraged youth to live positive lives and avoid pitfall of social ills.

Pastor Garetshele encouraged the youth to start working on their goals while there is still time so that they can get assistance from those responsible. ENDS