02 Sep 2024

The Assistant Minister for State President, Honourable Boitumelo Gofhamodimo has said they are called to a mindset transformation, which will bring forth behaviour change in their lives.

   This would also lead to change in perceptions, thoughts, and attitudes and ultimately inform one’s decisions in a positive way. 

Speaking during the official launch of the Month of Prayer in Tlokweng on Sunday, she said September is a very special month to all Batswana as it marks their independence and what a better way to celebrate and dedicate it as a Month of Prayer. 

Hon. Gofhamodimo added that September was declared the Month of Prayer against HIV and AIDS in Botswana in 1996, and has over the years been expanded to include Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s), COVID-19, and other social ills faced by the nation. 

“I will therefore in this regard, salute and commend faith leaders, led by the Botswana Christian and Health Intervention Programme (BOCHAIP), umbrella organisations like the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), the Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), the Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAIC) and the Ministers Fraternal for having been faithful and active in maintaining these prayers for the past 27 years,” she noted. 

She said this marks commitment and seriousness by the church community to pray to God and dedicate the country to Him on behalf of the people, which is a much-appreciated effort. 

Ms Gofhamodimo said this year’s theme: Developing a Transformative Mindset, resonates  well with what His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi leads and bears a testimony to the fact that the leadership of this country recognises the great impact of the Lord in their lives. 

She appreciated the achievement that has been collectively made through the efforts of different partners in the HIV response leading to reaching the 95-98-98 UNAIDS target. 

The assistant minister said government commits to supporting its people through free health services, which include free HIV medication with the objective of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030. 

“We pride ourselves as a country for having been one of the first African countries to extend the free HIV medication to non-citizens residing in Botswana”, said Ms Gofhamodimo. 

Acting Chief Executive Officer of BOCHAIP, Ms Boitumelo Morapedi, said the organisation originated from a collective of Pastors Against AIDS (PAA) established in 1995 as a response to the Botswana government’s appeal to the Christian community for intervention. 

Ms Morapedi said Botswana faces significant challenges in the public health and safety including high rates of HIV and AIDS, NCDs, road accidents, GBV and alcohol and substance abuse. 

She further said the Christian community with its broad influence and moral framework is well positioned to spearhead a transformative campaign.

Ms Morapedi they want to promote compassion and support for the affected and infected individuals and communities, promote health-seeking behaviours and strengthen community engagement, spiritual support and healing. 

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Tlokweng said this annual event plays a critical role in the lives of people as the church spearhead prayers geared at bringing peace and stability to the nation. 

Kgosi Gaborone said the Month of Prayer came at the time when the country faced the HIV/AIDS pandemic and government looked up to the church to ask God for intervention. . 

He said government came up with different health programmes and initiatives geared at winning the war against HIV/AIDS. 

Furthermore, he said even though the war has not yet been won, progress has been made and therefore encouraged the church to continue praying for the nation and not forgetting other emerging challenges like NCD’s, GBV and alcohol and drug abuse. 

He added that if Batswana humble themselves and pray, then God would hear and attend to all their problems. Ends