Nata police hold HIV/AIDS workshop

Dr. Roger discusses HIV and AIDS at police workshop.JPG
Originally uploaded by natavillage.

Almost 40 participants attended an HIV/AIDS workshop sponsored by the Nata Police Department.  It was one of the most well organized events that I have yet to attend in Botswana.  Kgosi Makgesi greeted all the participants and encouraged everyone to learn their status and to fight HIV/AIDS.  Dr. Roger from Nata clinic provided the keynote address and won over the crowd with his wit and humility.  At one point during questions and answers regarding the origins of HIV and AIDS he just sighed and said, “only God knows the answers to some of these things”.  Sr. Nurse Gaokwale discussed ARV’s and the treatment prophylaxis available in Botswana for Pneumocistis and Tuberculosis, two common complications of HIV infection.  Melody Jenkins spoke about stigma and discrimination and challenged the group to change their impressions of HIV/AIDS from a death sentence given to careless people into an idea that it is a no fault treatable illness.  Mma Diteko the chairperson of Ntwakgolo talked about positive living and she was given a huge ovation for being a pioneer living openly with HIV.  Mabogo entertained with a great drama depicting a wealthy businessman engaging in sex with multiple partners without protection.  Just by luck, Tebelopele was in Nata providing anonymous testing.  It was so great that at the conclusion of the workshop, Commander Tsekele, councillor Mma DK, and a tribal administration police officer showed extraordinary leadership and led the way to be tested.  In all, 12 people tested at the conclusion of the workshop.  I was told that more wanted to test and would follow up the next day.  Congratulations to Ishmael who organized this wonderful event.  Commander Tsekele wishes to make it an annual event.

Tebelopele provides group pre test counseling at Nata police HIV workshop

Sr. Nurse Gaokwale lectures on ARV's and prophylaxis for HIV related illnesses

Ntwakgolo Chairwoman Mma Diteko talks about positive living at police HIV workshop

Nata police HIV workshop

Mabogo dramatizes a wealthy businessman putting the moves on a young schoolgirl

Kgosi Makgesi greets participants at police HIV workshop