WHO honours Mogae
Zolani Kraai | Monday September 4, 2023 09:55
Mogae was also recognised for exceptional leadership and commitment in curbing HIV spread, stigma and discrimination and free national Anti-Retroviral treatment (ARV) roll-out to at least 90% of Batswana who were eligible to access treatment.
Mogae was honoured at the WHO 75th anniversary celebration.
The recognition elicited a standing ovation from the local and many of the regional and international WHO and development partners delegates who are familiar with Botswana’s road map fight against HIV&AIDS in the early 2000s, led by Mogae. President Mokgweetsi Masisi presented the award to Mogae on behalf of WHO-Africa.
The event was held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) this week where various speakers including Vice President Slumber Tsogwane expressed gratitude for Mogae’s exemplary advocacy leadership in creating an excellence model in the fight against HIV and AIDS not only in Botswana but also in the African region.
Mogae prioritised the fight against the scourge during his tenure as president ahead of other development projects which were sometimes critical. He stood firm and implemented his programmes. Meanwhile, Tsogwane said it was through Mogae’s leadership that government of Botswana in partnership with development partners including WHO and UNAIDS were able to tackle the stigma surrounding HIV positive people in the community. He said it was also under Mogae’s administration when significant and globally commended strides in PMTCT programme were recognised.
Mogae’s award comes shortly after President Masisi awarded WHO-Regional Director Dr Matshediso Moeti with Botswana’s Presidential Meritorious Service Award (PMSM).
The PMSM is awarded based of a single, particularly important achievement; a career notable for accomplishments in technical or professional fields or unusually high quality initiative in leadership.
Moeti is the first woman and a Motswana to be elected to the WHO as Regional Director for Africa. A medical doctor and administrator, public health specialist, Moeti led WHO’s “3 by 5” initiative in Africa at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, in the sphere of Mogae’s advocacy scope, resulting in a significant increase in access to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV positive people.