Stigma stands stubborn after 40 years of HIV

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | 1220 Views |

First line: The primary defence remains to get tested, know your status and get on treatment PIC: CUMBRIACRACK.COM

Forty years after the first case of HIV was confirmed in the country, those living with the disease still report stigma and high levels of internal guilt. Stubborn discrimination and self-blame are proving beyond the scope of the treatments available. MBONGENI MGUNI & NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE

“After I delivered the baby at the hospital, no one wanted to touch her, I was the one who was doing everything by myself even though there were older people at the house.

“I realised that people were stigmatising me. They helped me with nothing and I even ended up giving up a lot!

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

hiv and aids

BOTEPCO hosted the first-ever Africa Teaching and Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) conference. PIC.KINGSLEY KUDA

Gaborone hosts landmark continental education summit

Kingsley Kuda | 7 h ago

Mmegi sports journalist gets global recognition

staff writer | 9 h ago

Cowpeas worth P15m rot in silo

Mbongeni Mguni | 10 h ago

Every child is precious

TUDUETSO KELAPILE | 12 h ago

Union leaders fire salvos at Boko

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

We aren't backtracking on ConCourt – Boko

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

Alcohol not an excuse for murder, rules Kebonang

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

High Court throws out bidder for 'skipping' Tribunal

Innocent Selatlhwa | 1d ago

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...

The Monitor Editor | 05 May 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.