Govt moves to put all local prostitutes on ARV
Monday, May 11, 2015
According to the implementing partner the Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA) Public Relations Officer, Keitumetse Mariri, they have already piloted this program in Gaborone and Francistown, and will soon be taking it to Maun.However, Mariri also pointed out that they are not satisfied with the numbers of sex workers who come forward to get their services.
The Ministry of Health last year revealed the results of their survey showing that there are about 5,000 female sex workers in Gaborone, Francistown and Kasane.
For years, we have rightly celebrated our world-class HIV response. The PMTCT programme has been its crown jewel, ensuring HIV-positive mothers could safely nurture their newborns without fear of transmission. Now, a leaked memo exposes a terrifying reality that the lifeline has been frayed to breaking point. A key warehouse in Francistown stands empty, and access is being rationed. Official reassurances about expected consignments ring hollow to...