Battle against stigma won, then lost

Stepping out: Lekgetho during a recent event
Stepping out: Lekgetho during a recent event

As HIV/AIDS spread through the country in the 1980s, the initial policy response had not anticipated the impact stigmatisation and discrimination would have on the early victims. Visionary policymaking ensured these twin troubles were tackled beginning in 1993. Even as the final march to victory in this regard continues, Mmegi Correspondent, MPHO MASWIKILA reports on a new threat

Fiona Lekgetlho is HIV positive and committed to being a model for others in the fight against the disease’s spread in Botswana.

She is grateful for the amount of education given to Batswana about the disease over the years as it has reduced stigmatisation and discrimination against those infected.  Fiona, however, says there is a new, closer type of stigmatisation.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up