Batswana Urged To Know Their Status
Staff Writer | Monday December 3, 2018 14:44
Masisi was speaking at the commemoration of the World AIDS Day in Mochudi on Saturday under the theme ‘Know Your Status’.
He said while there has been some progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, there is a lot that still needs to be done, to ensure that there are no new infections. Statistically, Botswana is still one of the countries most affected by HIV and AIDS.
The President said the high prevalence is not to be taken lightly especially for a small population.
“When we say that we have won the fight, it will be when we start recording zero infection,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of one knowing their status, urging each and every individual to take responsibility of their own health, and go for a test, so that in case their test comes up positive they can take treatment, and get the necessary support to accept their status.
He emphasised the need for government to reinvigorate programmes aimed at ending HIV and AIDS.
He said the government and other stakeholders need to work hard and ensure that the country realises one of its pillars of an HIV free nation by 2036 as enshrined in the country’s Vision 2036. He said there was a need for each and every individual to commit to living a healthy lifestyle, urging people to also test for non-communicable diseases such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, which continue to claim lives.
The President expressed concern on the numbers of school children who have reported to have had sex, and those who have sexually assaulted, saying that the figures are really disturbing. He said parents should not turn a blind eye to these issues and take comfort in the fact that their own children are not engaged in any bad bahaviours.
“These are our children,” he said.
He said it is common knowledge that Gender Based Violence (GBV), increases the likelihood of victims being infected with HIV, as in most cases they do not have a say in whether a condom is used or not.
He made a promise that his government is going to fast track the review of laws on sexual assault crimes. Under the reviewed laws, sex offenders will be registered so that people know who they are and can protect themselves and their children from.
Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Bright Moagi Molebatsi implored people to end stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV. He said stigmatising and discrimination, could lead some of the people living with the disease to be frustrated and vent out by either vowing to infect others, or make a choice to conceal their status. He said these are some of the factors that can hinder progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The First Lady, Neo Masisi, lit The Candle of Hope.