the monitor

Young women need us, all of us!

The recent revelation by the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) regarding the escalating HIV infections amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Botswana demands urgent attention from authorities, parents, the general populace, and particularly, the young women themselves.

The statistics presented by NAHPA's national coordinator, Ontiretse Letlhare, during a Gala Dinner in honour of First Lady Neo Masisi, emphasise an upsetting reality. AGYW, constituting only nine percent of Botswana’s population, bears the burden of approximately 24% of new HIV infections.

This discrepancy raises red flags and necessitates a concerted effort to tackle the trend. It is troubling that despite Botswana surpassing global UNAIDS targets, the AGYW category lags below the national average in terms of HIV testing and viral suppression.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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