Stop stigmatising PLWHAs

From the time Botswana registered its first known case of HIV/AIDS, the nation has grappled with the issue of stigma. Much education has been done, mainly by HIV/AIDS service organistions or support groups as they were called then.

Sadly most of the support groups have died and, so have their voice, which played on the nation’s conscience on issues affecting People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Recently Francistown South MP, Wynter Mmolotsi complained that government was perpetrating stigma by separating dispensaries for PLWHAs from those of other members of the public. He was right. Stigma remains one of the main barriers to effective responses to HIV/AIDS.

Lately, we are being told there is resurgence in the number of HIV cases. Could the most affected age cohort be people who would shy away from services because of stigma? Let us not forget that unlike in the past, there are strong support services such as centres for PLWHAs.  Going back to the issue of dispensaries and PLWHAs, it is important that government prioritises anti-stigma programmes to encourage positive responses to the epidemic. When the government itself relegates stigma elimination to the bottom of HIV/AIDS programme priorities, then we can be sure people will avoid HIV/AIDS services. Many will die. Already, we are seeing more able-bodied people dying. We find gains we previously attained as a nation being reversed.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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