BOTSWANA: Donor encourages more HIV testing

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has expressed concern over reports that stigma was hampering Botswana's efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS, the South African news service, Channel Africa, reported on Thursday.

Botswana's President Festus Mogae recently said many local women had failed to enrol in the country's programme for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV due victimisation by family members and communities.

This was happening even though testing centres had been established nationwide with the help of international donors, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates, who is currently on a one day visit in the country, has urged government authorities to do more to encourage people to undergo HIV/AIDS testing.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated more than US $50 million to the country's national antiretroviral programme.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]