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Why are HIV infections rising despite historic 95-95-95 feat?

Old school: The original campaigns against HIV focussed on prevention. With the advent of ARVs and PMTCT, people have let down their guard somewhat. Experts say a return to the message of prevention is essential to retaining the 95-95-95 achievement
Old school: The original campaigns against HIV focussed on prevention. With the advent of ARVs and PMTCT, people have let down their guard somewhat. Experts say a return to the message of prevention is essential to retaining the 95-95-95 achievement

Why are more and more people getting HIV, despite the country achieving UNAIDS’ near impossible 95-95-95 target? Delegates who gathered for three days in Palapye for an HIV Prevention Symposium came up with revealing responses to the question. Mmegi Correspondent, NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes.

PALAPYE: Gorata ‘Queen’ Tsokwane, a sex worker and member of Nkaikela Youth Group says she knows why HIV infections remain stubbornly high in the country, with new cases rising in certain areas, despite the remarkable achievements Botswana has made elsewhere. For her, the key is greater heath and legal protections for sex workers.

“The reason why HIV statistics are high among sex workers is because we do not get assistance from health workers,” she says.

Editor's Comment
Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

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