HIV/AIDS documentary thrills Francistowners
Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday August 14, 2018 13:54
Hundreds braved the chilly evening and filled seats to capacity when the documentary, which shows the stories of five Batswana and their commitment to living openly and well on HIV treatment, premiered in the Ghetto.
The doccie will also be shown in eight other places around Botswana.
The US President’s Emergency Plan produced Have It All for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Different stakeholders, mostly from the health sector and the mayor of Francistown, Sylvia Muzila graced the event.
The five stars describe their experiences with HIV testing, treatment, and disclosure, as well as relationships, parenting, and many other issues.
The documentary also tells the story of Botswana’s rise as a world leader in the response to HIV/AIDS and the launch of the Treat All programme in 2016, which enables Batswana to start free treatment as soon as they test HIV-positive.
The film features Stanley Monageng, a 71-year-old retired nurse who was diagnosed 17 years ago, but remains in excellent health.
“Taking my medication is just like taking tea in the morning,” Monageng says in the film as he swallows his pills on camera while chatting with US Ambassador Earl R Miller.
“That’s why I’m so fit.” Other stars include Edwin and Maria Motse, an HIV positive couple who have been married 16 years and have three HIV negative children, Masedi Kewamodimo, a 23-year-old born with HIV, who has travelled the world to speak publicly about HIV, and Pontsho Sekisang, a young man who has faced discrimination both for his HIV status and his sexual orientation.
“With HIV, you’re either infected or affected,” Pontsho reminds the audience. “It affects everyone.”
If the big round of applause that ensued at the end of the documentary was a measure of how it was received, then it is safe to say that the documentary left a positive impact on the audience. Even more so, it will be used to educate others about HIV/AIDS related issues.
To further buttress how the doccie left a positive effect on the audience, only two people asked questions about HIV/AIDS related issues while many commended PEPFAR for the documentary.
They hailed it as a powerful form of communication that would even encourage people who are afraid to test for HIV to test and if positive, accept their status and forthwith, start taking antiretrovirals because of their health benefits that come with taking ARVs immediately after testing positive for HIV.