HIV and the curse of the blessers

Friday, August 25, 2023 | 690 Views |

Back to basics: The country’s fight against HIV stems back to efforts around the ABCs. The stubborn infection rates, especially amongst young girls, threaten to undo the gains that have been made over the years of fighting the disease

The latest research shows that the country records 2,200 new infections every year and a majority of these involve young women and teen girls. The same studies indicate that older men are responsible for the transmissions, writes NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE

On social media, any talk of blessers is treated as a running joke but the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS) V findings released recently, show a far more sinister side to the “trending topic”.

In fact, the blesser trend is more of a curse and a matter of life and death. So prominent has the “blesser and blessee” phenomenon been in recent years, that it is increasingly seen as acceptable or tolerable.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

hiv and aids

The Draft Media Bill of 2025 could be just what the doctor ordered for the media fraternity. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Examining the role of Botswana’s proposed media Ombudsman

Kabo Ramasia | 1d ago

Bosa Bosele offers free counselling to the public

staff writer | 1d ago

UDC crisis rocks Gaborone Council

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

Former subordinate takes stand against Moagi

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

Court halts LSB bar exams

Spira Tlhankane | 1d ago

Botho University gives gov’t value for money –Maele

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

Elevate Africa launches Threads of Africa Fashion Film prize 2026

staff writer | 1d ago

Men’s netball team excluded as women report for camp

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

The Monitor Editor | 16 June 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.