Mmegi

A call to action in Botswana’s HIV response

From the basics: Botswana has come a long way since the first efforts against HIV, but some groups feel left behind
From the basics: Botswana has come a long way since the first efforts against HIV, but some groups feel left behind

As Botswana commemorates World AIDS Day, civil society organisations are calling for more than just lip service in the fight against the disease. They are urging the government to address the systemic issues of inequity and corruption that hinder progress towards ending the pandemic as a public threat by 2030. NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

On World AIDS Day, Botswana's civil society organisations gathered to commemorate the day under the theme "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!". The event provided an opportunity for civil society to meet with the new government administration, led by Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, who emphasised the critical role of civil society in the HIV response.

However, despite the encouraging words, civil society leaders are sounding the alarm that the current system is not working.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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