Gaborone (Botswana) – Botswana’s youth have been challenged to embrace behaviour change, as part of the nation’s efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Nonofho Molefhi, who made the call on Tuesday, said that discipline and behaviour change are key in defeating HIV/AIDS.
“Young Batswana should continue to display positive behavior; a decision that will ensure protection against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other potential social ills,” Molefhi said.
According to the minister, international studies have indicated that the high rate of sexually transmitted infections, alcohol and substance abuse and multiple concurrent partnerships fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He urged the youths to adopt control and intervention behaviours to address societal ills.
He also advised parents to guide their children.
He urged communities not to despair in the face of the epidemic, as global statistics indicate a 38 per cent reduction in new HIV infections since 2001.
“This demonstrates hope, if young people commit to taking responsibility over their lives,” Molefhi said. (PANA/NAN)