US and Botswana sign anti-AIDS pact

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Wednesday December 15, 2010 00:00

 

The partnership framework was signed yesterday by U.S Ambassador to Botswana, Stephen Nolan, and the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Lesego Motsumi.

The partnership is set to strengthen the country's health care system to a higher level with the goal of preventing new HIV infections as well as providing treatment and care for those affected by the epidemic.

The partnership comes as part of the U.S President's Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Minister Motsumi's office, ambassador Nolan said the U.S government will continue to support efforts of the government of Botswana in the fight against the disease, especially with issues of treatment and prevention of mother to child transmission.

He said the U.S. has been greatly impressed with the tremendous efforts Botswana has been doing in fighting HIV/AIDS hence their continued commitment to assist her. 'Botswana has done very well to fight this disease.

Currently 93 percent of people who needs treatment have it, all HIV positive mothers are able to access treatment and that is a very commendable effort by the Botswana Government,' ambassador Nolan said.

He said recent statistics reveal that a lot still has to be done to prevent new infections. He said his government will work hand in hand with that of Botswana to ensure that the partnership bears the desired results.

Minister Motsumi said they will work hard as the government to make sure the benefits from the partnership reach people infected and affected by the disease.

Motsumi said the partnership comes up with concrete strategies and interventions that are destined for success in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

She said Botswana has so far received the sum of $300 million in aids from PEPFAR and this money has helped a lot in terms of providing care and treatment to the infected and affected.

Minister Motsumi also thanked the US government for the generous support they continue to pledge in the fight against the disease saying they are really pleased and hopeful the partnership will continue until the fight against HIV/AIDS is won.

The partnership framework was jointly developed by a team of public health and development officials from the U.S Mission to Botswana and a local team led by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA).

PEPFAR is the cornerstone of President Obama's Global Health Initiative (GHI), which commits $63 billion over six years to support partner countries in improving and expanding access to health services with a focus on the health and well-being of women, newborns and children.