Gourvenec was speaking at the launch of the Inter Personal Communication (IPC) collaboration for HIV prevention in Botshabelo on Tuesday. She said there is need to look at other factors besides no condom use that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Gourvenec said their new strategy focuses on proper condom use, avoiding multiple partners and curbing alcohol abuse. Areas that have been targeted are Selebi-Phikwe, Mahalapye and Palapye.

The project targets those in the 15-49 years age group. PSI intends to start training peer educators in October. PSI has identified the Selebi-Phikwe Theatre Group and the Ministers' Fraternal as some of the partners in the new project. Men, Sex and AIDS peer educators will visit bars, sheebens and homes to deliver the HIV/AIDS message.

The Ministers Fraternal will carry out interventions in churches, while the Phikwe theatre group will conduct edutainment shows at bars and public areas. Gourvenec said PSI will use mass media to disseminate information about their initiative.

ACHAP programme officer, Elizabeth Moshe hailed the launch of the PSI project because it took place in Botshabelo where there is high alcohol consumption. "We have been involved in a fight but failed to target the enemy. We have identified community-based organisations that can work with PSI to bring about behavioural change," Moshe said.

Guest speaker and Selebi-Phikwe West MP, Kavis Kario said the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among sexually active people in the country is disturbing because it defies efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The MP said there is need for enhanced advocacy to create coalitions which will reach risk populations through the provision of correct information.

He called on NGOs to collaborate with partners at district level. He urged Selebi-Phikwe residents to take advantage of the PSI initiative. Kario said it is evident that there is a link between alcohol abuse and the spread of HIV.

"Alcohol abuse is our number one enemy in the fight against HIV/AIDS as Batswana," Kario said.

He said President Ian Khama should be supported in his fight against alcohol abuse.
"The president has been labelled a dictator in the media. We have left people to attack him, while faith based organisations and NGOs keep quiet. We have to support the president because there is serious alcohol abuse in the country," Kario said. He said the PSI initiative would fill a gap in the country's HIV/AIDS interventions.