UN, Botswana Partnership Critical In Combating Diseases
Ame Motimane | Monday June 17, 2019 15:17
They also launched the 3rd National Multi-Sectoral HIV and AIDS response Strategic Framework 2019-2023 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi and UNAIDS executive director, Gunilla Carlsson officiated at the event. The minister of Health & Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele also attended the event. Madigele stated that the purpose of the strategy for NCDs mainly identifies national priorities for addressing the diseases with emphasis on prevention and primary care.
It deals with holistic approaches and multi-sectoral participation, and outlines a roadmap of efforts and critical activities that will be integrated by various stakeholders in addressing NCDs. The strategy also identifies primary indicators and targets in order to assess the effects and impact of programme efforts.
Madigele pointed out that it is worth noting that the national strategy focuses on combating the four major NCDs, which account for 82% of NCD-related deaths.
These are cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
In a press briefing following the launch, Madigele disclosed that as a country that aims to end HIV incidents, Botswana is bound to re-energise approaches towards the HIVAIDS problem. “If is very important to insure that as we fight the HIV pandemic, we will have to learn from our mistakes,” he said.
For her part, Carlsson said the UNAIDS is proud to be working with Botswana given her history with HIVAIDS.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Neo Masisi called on parents to talk to their children freely about the dangers of engaging in sex at a young age.
Masisi emphasised that creating transparency would enable kids to open up discussions.