mmegi

The rise and fall of civil society in Botswana (Part 2)

Yesteryear: An old banner on the ABCs of HIV and AIDS. The disease continues to be a public health challenge
Yesteryear: An old banner on the ABCs of HIV and AIDS. The disease continues to be a public health challenge

Some are still regarded as heroes and heroines in the field of HIV and AIDS, especially for their bravery and total self-sacrifice in the fight against stigmatisation.

Their efforts were centred on combating HIV/AIDS misinformation and discrimination, years back when treatment was yet to be discovered.

Special mention must go to the then AIDS/STD Unit under the Ministry of Health that back then supported the ideas of the likes of David Ngele, Helen Ditsebe-Mhone, and Dipuo Bogatsu to form a support group for People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Overtime, Ngele would become the Chairperson of BONEPWA+ and later its National Coordinator, while Ditsebe-Mhone would then form an NGO, first as a support group, which in turn would become The Coping Centre for People Living with HIV and AIDS (COCEPWA).

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up