06 Dec 2024

Botswana has made significant contributions to the global community by offering hope to the world.

“Greater things have and will continue to happen,” Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe promised residents of Gaborone West that gathered at the kgotla for the District AIDS Day commemoration yesterday,

He cited the notable progress Botswana had made in the fight against HIV/AIDS toll on the nation by implementing programmes that helped to significantly reduce the number of new infections, adding that the country served as an inspiring example for other nations facing similar challenges.

Mr Gaolathe attributed the success story to nurses, acknowledging their indelible mark on the transformative role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He commended the frontline healthcare workers for being central to the delivery of services and support for those living with HIV, saying their contributions span even in the areas of care, emotional and psychological support as well as advocacy. As such he said they made a significant impact in reducing the spread of the virus and improving the quality of life for those infected and affected.

Sharing statistics, acting head of Greater Gaborone District Health Management Team, Dr Tidimalo Ookame said from April to September, 27 000 women and 14 290 men went through HIV testing in the Gaborone District. A total of 997 tested positive.

He encouraged men to go for testing in order to know their status, asserting that with medication HIV could be suppressed. Ends