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

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 1960 Views |

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.

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