Botswana commemorated the 2011 World AIDS day with the pledge to prioritize HIV prevention in order to achieve the national goal of zero new infections by 2016.
Speaking at the 2011 World AIDS day commemorations, President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian called upon all Batswana to exercise individual responsibility to stop HIV infections through one’s own behavior change.
He said Botswana is currently spending tremendous amounts of money to keep people on the treatment and meeting the needs of orphans. He lamented that of the total AIDS budget allocation of P981-million for the financial year 2011/2012, treatment accounts for P185 million while the orphan care program accounts for P290-million Pula. President Khama said as a developing country, Botswana does not have the capacity to extend free ARVs to everybody forever.
On other issues, President Khama said AIDS deaths have reduced by about 67% since the ARV program was introduced. According to the national Estimates and Projections, deaths reduced from an estimated 14 700 in 2003 to 6 200 by the end of 2010. He said with full treatment access and personal responsibility of one’s health, Botswana can aspire for ‘Zero AIDS related deaths by 2016’