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COCEPWA said this year’s theme will be “We have come a long way” and close to 1,000 people living with AIDS are expected to participate. The objectives of the week will be to give face to HIV/AIDS through sensitising the community as well as empower PLWA to have responsible lives in their community and environment. The other objectives will be to share knowledge and experiences among PLWA and to advocate for support from the community. The activities of the week include marching, cultural social events, education, condom distribution to the public, as well as personal testimonies. There will also be a quiz and other competitions as well as group therapy for PLWA. A memorial service will be held on September 30th for those who lost their lives to the epidemic. COCEPWA has been out of the limelight for some time after the closure of all of its six branches in the country last year. The last time they made news was when the director and founder, Helen Ditsebe-Mhone caused a stir after she appeared in a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) campaign billboard just before the general elections. She was used as a symbol of the government’s commitment in the fight against AIDS in the provision of Anti Retro Viral drugs (ARVs). She went underground after she announced that she formed the centre from scratch so she owes nobody an explanation. Ditsebe-Mhone was not at yesterday’s press conference. COCEPWA officials said they have not secured funds for their organisation.
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