05 Dec 2024

The Head of Primary Care Services in the Greater Francistown DHMT, Dr Keorapetse Mmualefhe, has said behavioural change can bear results in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Mmualefhe said though Botswana has done well and placed herself in a better position amongst other countries in this fight, there is still a need to do more.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of commemoration of World AIDS day on Tuesday in Francistown, Dr Mmualefhe said gatherings such as Commemoration of World AIDS day are meant to spread information to the public.

The efforts by the public in fighting HIV, he said, are visible hence it is worthy to commend the public on what they are doing to fight against the virus.

Since the HIV is still there, Dr Mmualefhe said it would need a collective effort in the fight to win the battle. He said collectively the fight could be won through taking good care and being responsible.

Dr Mmualefhe said protection remains vital in the prevention of HIV, urging consistent use of condoms, as they are freely given and available in most areas.

He said there are also other programmes meant to help those who are at risk of contracting HIV such as the Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

Dr Mmualefhe said the PEP treatment works as early as the time of contacting the HIV virus so as to prevent one from getting the virus, which can happen at maximum of 72 hours from contracting the virus, adding that delay from taking the PEP on time increases the risk of contracting the virus.

He also highlighted that the use of Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), he said (PrEP) is a treatment taken before one can come in contact with the HIV virus.

Dr Mmualefhe said partners who vary in HIV status but want to have children can seek medical attention so as to be given the PrEP treatment.

He said PrEP has to be given by the health practitioner after further assessment has been done, adding that the one who is HIV positive will be checked if the virus is suppressed and also given advice.

Meanwhile, Dr Mmualefhe said it is still worrisome and disheartening to see the numbers of new infections increasing, noting that the public needs to be careful of ways which lead to contracting the virus.

“Some get confused that pregnancy prevention methods can as well prevent HIV, which is not right, unfortunately pregnancy prevention methods do not prevent HIV.

There is only one method that can prevent HIV and other STI’s which the use of condoms,” advised Dr Mmualefhe.

He encouraged people to start treatment as soon as they test positive for the HIV virus, and to also adhere to health instructions. Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo said stigma and discrimination for people with HIV/AIDS still remains a challenge in this fight.

He said stigma needs to be dealt with so that key and vulnerable people living with HIV can access services without fear or favour.

Reverend Moruakgomo said people should be encouraged to test for HIV so that incase where one is HIV positive, they can enroll for treatment as early as possible.

This, he said, can help to suppress the virus, which can be strategic to stop the spread of the virus.

As the key thing is to eliminate HIV by 2030, Reverend Moruakgomo said it is important for all to know their status, which is imperative in the fight against HIV.

He noted that adopting a healthier lifestyle is the way to go, indicating that eating healthy food, exercising and reduction of alcohol is important in combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The Commemoration of World AIDS day is hosted every year as people around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to remember those who have died through HIV/AIDS and related sicknesses.

This year, the World AIDS day was commemorated under the theme, ‘Take the Right Path, My Health’ My Right’. Ends