Transcript
| 07:04:13 <swhite> | Everyone seems to be alive! Please go ahead and ask any questions that you have! |
| 07:05:31 <MOJAKI> | What ha been the responce on TDF2 trials in the USA, and how much money was paid o those in the trial? |
| 07:07:01 <MOJAKI> | What has been the responce on TDF2 trials in the USA, and how much money has been aid to those who took part in the trials looking at the risk? |
| 07:09:00 <swhite> | Beata, would you or one of the experts answer MOJAKI's question about TDF2 trials? |
| 07:11:28 <MOJAKI> | Mr MP how has been the contribution of fellow MP's in parliament on HIV matters do they ake meaningful contributions and have you addressed the issue of multiple partners by oliticians on the poor members of their political parties? |
| 07:13:28 <MOJAKI> | Madam minister dont you think it is time you take full responsibility of all clinics that are nder Local government for easier facilitation and leadership? This one is directed to the Botswana Ministry of Health...why are clinics in Botswana nder a different ministry, does this not hamper the implementation of health policies? |
| 07:15:02 <dorcas> | dorcas, hi, This is Dorcas.I would like to know about some of the existing efforts to repare people for participation in HIV research. Are there any for the school going youth to acilitate their meaningful participation in HIV research. |
| 07:15:08 <Tswelelo> | what is the prevelance rate in Kenya |
| 07:15:59 <swhite> | Otula, could you or one of your Kenyan experts answer Tswelelo's question? |
| 07:16:45 <Presh> | Hi Beata , can you see me |
| 07:16:52 <swhite> | yes, we can see you |
| 07:17:53 <Pam> | Can anyone pick me? It's pam |
| 07:19:05 <Tswelelo> | What's the HIV prevelence rate in Washington DC, and could you pliz share with us ow you fight against HIV AIDS in the US Minister am very much concerned about the issue of prisoners who are not given the ondoms and yet are given treatment, what is it that we are treating that we do not want to prevent yes Pam Hi, to the journalist in Kenya, What are some of the challenges you faced as a country hen introducing circumcision as one of the HIV prevention st |
| 07:19:15 <swhite> | Hello Pam, Looking at the coverage of World AIDS Day 2007, what would you say the strongest stories were that ran and what made them the best stories? |
| 07:19:50 <otula> | Prevalent rate in Kenya is now at 5.2 percent although there are just too many questions bout the data and the new method usd to calculate the prevalnce which is half the past ones |
| 07:20:46 <Angel> | How long does it take to know one's status after testing |
| 07:21:17 <Tswelelo> | 1day |
| 07:22:30 <Angel> | Which lineof drugs does Botswana use |
| 07:23:25 <dorcas> | Hi Otula, are there any laws in Kenya pertaining to willful transmission of HIV |
| 07:24:08 <Tswelelo> | in Botswana all lines of drugs are used, for Angel...first to the third line |
| 07:24:59 <Angel> | what are the side effects of zidovudine |
| 07:25:04 <bkasale> | I AM HERE GIFTI.AND I AM COLLECTING MINISTER NOW! |
| 07:25:24 <Tswelelo> | Is HIV/AIDS a challenge like it is to Africans in America |
| 07:25:28 <dorcas> | Hi in Washington, what are some of the good practices for increasing the voices of hildren in addressing HIV issues without compromising the children's rights. |
| 07:26:35 <Angel> | Can an HIV couple have a free HIV baby |
| 07:26:39 <gnadi> | Hi Dorcas, thanks for your question. We will get back to you on that. |
| 07:26:53 <Tswelelo> | do you have policies for assisting disabled people access HIV/AIDS services? |
| 07:27:55 <Angel> | What is the prevalence of HIV on married couples in Botswana |
| 07:28:08 <boitshepo> | Talking about side effects. Apparently the second line treatment being offered in otswana - D4T and DD1 -have very fatal side effects and are not recommended by WHO? Is this rue Minister and if so what is the government doing about? |
| 07:28:32 <Angel> | What are the advantages of pre-testing Unfortunately I don't think we had the best coverage this year. The stories were very much vents driven - the conferences, workshops, the AIDS Day activities, speeches and statitics. nlike like year where we had more human interest stories, this year there was some laziness n our part. Maybe some can dispute me Hi Poloko, what will happen to young people who enroll in the study and contracted the uring the study |
| 07:28:50 <bkasale> | HELLO ALL, LET US WELCOME OUR MINISTER OF HEALTH, PROFESSOR SHEILA TLOU. SHE HAS ENTERED THE CHAT ROOM NOW. HER RESPONSES WILL BE IN SMALL LETTERS |
| 07:29:09 <Angel> | HOW DO YOU ADMINISTER BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE IN BOTSWANA |
| 07:29:20 <dorcas> | Naledi says: To the Washington DC: There is a myth that developed countries have a ure for HiV. Please clear the rumours circulating in our countries |
| 07:29:40 <otula> | There are no clearly stipulated laws dealing with those who wilfully infect others. But it is till possible to do under the current laws. |
| 07:30:05 <Redemtor> | I am Redemtor from Kenya. I think this years topic is very timely especially for us being n election year - to address leadership impact in the fight against HIV/Aids in Subsaharan Africa |
| 07:30:28 <tbrooks> | Beata, there have been a few questions that were asked in the beginning of the chat that were directed to the minister. If she could answer those, that would be great! |
| 07:31:47 <Redemtor> | I think it is important to analyze the role of the media in holding leaders accountable in he fight against HIV/Aids but i dont think journalists in Kenya have done much of this |
| 07:32:10 <Tswelelo> | Mma Tlou, HIV/AIDS has hit sectors in Botswana, how has it affected the polititians, ould you say the recent upsurge of bye election could be related to the impact of HIV/AIDS |
| 07:32:34 <bkasale> | Prof Tlou: our governing structures and decentralisation policy is such that local authorities have to be responsible for their health care. we provide the policy direction and the technical expertise such as ARV rollout. And for that we collaborate with the ministry of local governmment. |
| 07:32:46 <Angel> | What impact does nutrition have to HIV positive people |
| 07:33:25 <otula> | How is it in Botswana? |
| 07:33:36 <Presh> | Thyis is to you Dr Poloko, pertaining the vaccine trials, dont you think those who have nrolled for the study are not going to be resistsnt to the drugs in case they get infected lookking n the fact that people who get infected form those whore hiv positive maybe resistant to such rugs |
| 07:33:48 <boitshepo> | Talking about side effects. Apparently the second line treatment being offered in otswana - D4T and DD1 - have very fatal side effects and are not recommended by WHO? Is his true Honourable Minister? If so, what is government doing about it? Someone has just strated ARVs drugs, how long does the effect of the drugs visible There were recent articles in the paper about the UN bodies drastically revising their igures on individuals contracting and living with |
| 07:35:47 <otula> | In Kenya there has been a campaign to test at least 100,000 people it started just before he WAD and we shall soon know the results. Top executives of major companies and their wives ent for the tests. How is it in Botswana |
| 07:36:12 <Pam> | Question to Mma Tlou: with 60 000 registered orphans in Botswana, of which 90%% receive overnment assistance, are there any systems in place to ensure effectictive and efficients doption system? Still on that, potential adoptive parents, are they tested for HIV, if so, why? |
| 07:36:44 <Nonofho> | testing |
| 07:36:47 <Redemtor> | About the issue of HIV/Aids and old grandmothers taking care of orpahns how are ther countries coping? What are some of the best practices we can learn from? |
| 07:37:55 <swhite> | Dorcas, the United States does not have a cure for AIDS. According to until.org and CDC, there are more than one million people living with HIV. Approximately 40,000 new infections occur each year. |
| 07:38:11 <gnadi> | Here are more stats in WASHINGTON, DC^`2666 1 in 20 residents are HIV positive, 86%% are African American^`2666 80.7%% of infections between 2001 and 2006 were African^`2666 90%% of HIV positive women are African American |
| 07:38:16 <Poloko-Researcher> | Hello all. This is Dr Poloko Kebaabetswe form BOTUSA to answer uestions on circumcision. She won't answer questions on TDF2 since there is no clearance rom the CDC at time of chat. |
| 07:39:10 <Presh> | I think my question to the minister did not go through, ;i was asking the minister about risoners in Botswana who are not given some condoms for prevention and yet are given ARV's, oes this serve a purpose because honestly how do you treat somthing that you have failed to revent form happeing in the begining , dont you think this is defying the efforts of the country in ighting the HIV. |
| 07:39:10 <otula> | In Used to be that at least a thuird of babies whose parents were HIv positive tested ositive or were infected. But this has drmatically dropped among those attedining both antenatal nd postnatal clinics where ARVs are availed freely Mma Tlou, are we to see orphanages built for some of the orphans in Botswana? Welcome Mopalamente. The question to the minister on orphans and adoptions, I would ike to also direct it to you are a public representative and ask wha |
| 07:39:20 <dorcas> | Hi, how are you incorporating human rights issues and education in HIV issues for the eneral population |
| 07:40:27 <Christine> | In Kenya the situation about orphans taking care of their siblings is on the rise. That is hildren taking care of Children. What is the situation in the other parts. |
| 07:40:33 <bkasale> | PROF TLOU ANSWERS BOITSHEPO AND ANGEL: D4T and DDI were taken off the market and it was publicly taken off the market as soon as it was internationally recognised that they had those side effects, The drugs that we now use are okay and our mortality rate of people on drugs, but due to a myriad of factors, is less than 8%%. |
| 07:40:38 <Journo4life> | Hi, why is that Africans living overseas are the most affected, or say African mericans. Is it because of the colour of the skin or what. Can anybody help me. I am really oncerned of this...Pascal/Botswana Dr K, when do you think is the right time to circumcise and who is better placed to do it raditional healers or young inexperienced nurses? |
| 07:40:58 <Redemtor> | swhite why is the infection rate in America highest among African Americans and fricans? |
| 07:41:10 <Angel> | Has the rate of infection among youths declined especially the 19-24 age groups in otswana and what could be the reason leading to that? |
| 07:41:23 <eunice> | hi all!i would like to know from Dr .Poloko the challenges they are facing as regards ircumsion and what they are doin |
| 07:42:24 <Thato> | Are there statistics available of the homosexual community infection rate? |
| 07:43:04 <otula> | Otula-media consultant/Trainer Science writer/Editor. Dr Poloko. How do you answer those ho say that in some communities that practice circumscion the rate of HIv/ infection at times is uch higher than in areas where people do not circumscise? Is it fare to compare it witha accine as recently said in a leadiong us paper? Moderators, I think there is a mix-up in questions. Part of my question to the Botswana MP ppears in Otula's questions... I just read about |
| 07:43:55 <Angel> | Are men responding to the call of circumcision in the treatment of HIV and AIDS? |
| 07:44:03 <gnadi> | In regards to your question Journo4Life, here is a link to an article on the issue written by a DC based organization called Africaaction. http://www.africaaction.org/newsroom/index.php?op=read&documentid=2644&type=15&issues=1&campaigns=6 |
| 07:45:08 <Nonofho> | Dear all, this is Beata. The member of Parliament, Hon. Nonofho Molegi is logging in. e will answer your questions. |
| 07:45:29 <bkasale> | Prof, Tlou to Otula: MTCT has ben reduced from 40%% to 3%%, At the same time, over 90%% have access to ARVs, so We are sa ving the lives of boht mothers and children and there will soon be no need for some orphanages |
| 07:46:12 <dorcas> | To what extend is the American media rising to the challenge of effective reporting of HIV nd related issues. Any signs of HIV fatigue |
| 07:46:19 <boitshepo> | Thank you Minister for your answer. It's good to know you are constantly on your guard ith regard to the development of new treatment options. |
| 07:46:51 <Redemtor> | As Otula had said earlier there is a campaign going on in Kenya to test 100,000 but arly signs indicate there is a poor turn out of people going for VCT. I guess these are some of he challenges faced in the fight against HIV/Aids |
| 07:47:41 <Nonofho> | Good afternon. I am here to answer questions raised on HIV/AIDS and political eadership. |
| 07:47:49 <otula> | Otula-media consultant/Trainer Science writer/Editor.Botswana'scare for orphans seems o me as a best practice. we have just had lots of discussion on how to cope with increasing umber of orphans in our earlier media workshop, is there a publication a wbsite etc where we an this information ihow Botswana is coping? |
| 07:48:20 <Tswelelo> | In Africa, HIV/AIDS has hit the women most, how is the situation in America |
| 07:49:25 <Christine> | Are there any sustainability programmes for HIV Orphans |
| 07:50:03 <dorcas> | To Washington What are the reasons for the high prevalence of HIV and AIDS amongst fricans and African American? Hon Nonotho how do you exactly provide the leadership? do you hold meetings? Generate iscussions in the parliament/ cabinet? |
| 07:50:09 <Angel> | In the event there is an outbreak of Drug Resisitant Tuberculosis in Botswana is overnment prepared to withstand the situation? |
| 07:50:43 <Tswelelo> | what is the impact of HIV/AIDs on the politicians of Botswana, give statistics where ossible |
| 07:50:55 <Journo4life> | In Botswana, people affected by HIv are encouraged to come out, is this the same in verseas countries like the US and UK.? whats really the benefit of this.From my view it is just to ncrease stigmatization of these people. Can someone maybe explain this. I feel it is old ashioned. Why dont we give them the choice to go out of remain silent! |
| 07:51:50 <swhite> | Here are some stats about HIV and women all over the world: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/women/resources/factsheets/women.htm |
| 07:51:59 <gnadi> | In the US, RISK FACTORS AND BARRIERS TO PREVENTION - Race and ethnicity, by themselves, are not risk factors for HIV infection. Even though HIV testing rates are higher for blacks than for members of other races and ethnicities [4], rates of undetected or late diagnosis of HIV infection are high for black men who have sex with men (MSM) [5].Blacks are also more likely to face challenges associated with risk factors for HIV inf [msg continues in 22 secs] |
| 07:52:21 <gnadi> | ection, including the following [msg complete] |
| 07:52:26 <MOJAKI> | Mr Molifhi, how would you describe the involvement of politicians on the fight against HIV t party level, have you challenged political parties to do something? |
| 07:52:44 <dorcas> | to journo4life They have a choice to keep their status confidential. They are not forced. |
| 07:52:47 <bkasale> | Prof Tlou: Redemtor, in Botswana we have routine offer of HIV testing which has been that well received that about 50%% of Batswana know their status, hence the huge ARV and PMTCT uptakes. Most men seem to prefer to test at BOCAIP, our Christian intervention, so we are looking at strengthening that aspect to enable moore of our men to test |
| 07:53:12 <boitshepo> | Minister, what is the biggest single factor that is negatively impacting the response to the HIV epidemic/pandemic? |
| 07:53:19 <Angel> | What happens if one goes for circumcision when has already tested HIV positive? |
| 07:53:59 <otula> | Today one of the resolutions passed by journalists who attended the earlier media workshop agreed that 2008 will be year to go for ""the story behind the story"". in their coverage of HIV/AIDS any comments or advice? |
| 07:55:43 <Presh> | I am directing this questions over to the americans, since we have ARV's in Botswana, which is bout three lines or so and we have different types of HIV, meaning us in Africa and you over there, dont think, a lot of side effects on people taking ARV is cpontributed by these factors? |
| 07:56:11 <gnadi> | Here is more information about different types of HIV and treatment implications -http://www.avert.org/hivtypes.htm |
| 07:56:43 <bkasale> | Tlou to Boitshepo: i would say Behaviour Change. We still live in a country where the better standard of living seems to make some people feel immortal to the point where our education effeorts are bearing very 'slow' fruits. |
| 07:56:51 <Pam> | MP WELCOME. THERE IS NO DOUBT THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP HAS RISEN TO PERCEPTION THAT POLITICIANS LIVE BY THE LINE 'DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO'. DO YOU AS PARLIAMENTARIANS EVER SIT AND CHALLENGE EACH OTHER ON ASPECTS OF BEHAVIOUR CHANGE? |
| 07:56:55 <Presh> | to you angel, they wound may take a little while to heal as compared to someone who oes not have HIV, because at the time when you gey infecte with hIV the body is busy oncentrating on fighting HIV and may not recognise other infections immedately |
| 07:57:02 <Journo4life> | To make a follow up on Tswelelo's questions, we have other people coming out about the status, why cant we have high profiled people going public about their status?Maybe this could help to educate people that HIV is there. --Pascal/journo4life |
| 07:57:18 <Pam> | Kenya: down here in Botswana we are trying to get our thoughts around the circumcission issue... You are far ahead, we hear. How did you get Kenyan men to agree that circumcission is okay, and can be one of the preventative tools, at the same time ensurng that the message is clear that it is not prevention... PAM |
| 07:57:40 <gnadi> | Hello |
| 07:57:46 <Christine> | An inquiry to Nonofho. In African societies we have stigmas on divorce. So when one spouse is unfaithful, there are no remedies. How are you educating the society because it seems in Kenya HIV is on the increase for married couples |
| 07:59:28 <bkasale> | THIS IS NOW BEATA AND NOT PROF TLOU? ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS WHICH ARE NOT ANSWERED. PLEASE NOTE THAT DR POLOKO KEBAABETSWE WONT 'BE BE ABLE TO ANSWER TRUVADA TDF2 SINCE SHE HASN'T RECEIVED CLEARANCE. |
| 07:59:30 <Thato> | Here is a question for Poloko. Of the studies conducted on circumcision, how soon after circumcision were representatives eligible for the studies as i understand the hardening of the langerhad cells is what reduces the likelihood of an infection |
| 08:00:06 <eunice> | I am Duncan from Nairobi, Kenya, how are politicians in Botswana responding to ttempts to have policy makers make their status known? |
| 08:01:01 <bkasale> | PROF TLOU to Christine: In Botswana marriage seems to be a protector because in our antenatal clinics only 20%% of the women with HIV are married. |
| 08:02:01 <dorcas> | To Washington: Isn't poverty one of the factors that contribute to HIV infection amongst eople of colour? |
| 08:02:24 <Presh> | Minister you said in your speech that 80%% of infections of HIV are among unmarried people whilst 20%% is among married people, and you went on to say maybe we should advocate for getting people to marry, with the divorce rate as high as it gets everyday in Botswana dont you think its important for us to get to know why people divorce so much so that when people get married they are aware of such factors and can actualy fight those in theri own marriages. |
| 08:02:25 <bkasale> | Prof Tlou adds that in Botswana the stigma on divorce has gone down. I add to her voice that once a marriage breaks down, people get out. Prof Tlou says people have realised that one has to get out of a bad marriage. |
| 08:03:02 <bkasale> | THATO, Dr Kebaabetswe seems to have an internet problem. She will reply you soon. |
| 08:03:39 <eunice> | Duncan- Washington I need to know exactly how poverty and Hiv aids are related? |
| 08:03:48 <gnadi> | Yes, Dorcas, poverty is a major factor for why African-American heterosexuals have a far higher rate of infection with HIV. |
| 08:03:57 <Oiree> | Is wife inheritance practiced in Botswana, coz it adds to the prevelence of aids Kenya is one of the places where the research was done. In fact in one of our IWMF media orkshops we had a top researcher in the project address journalists and she was very effective. till, the ministry of health made itc lear that circumscision was not fool rproof and despite being een as preventive measure it was not condom. In other words all aspects of the issue seem to ave be |
| 08:05:23 <dorcas> | In Botswana behaviour change modificaton is still a big challenge, how do the Kenyan nd American media enhance the efforts for promoting relevant behaviour in the era of HIV |
| 08:06:50 <eunice> | Duncan- what is the rate of infection amongst married cuples and unmarried cuoples? |
| 08:07:02 <gnadi> | Other factors which accounts for high infection among blacks in the US include a mix of factors^`2014including socioeconomic factors, limited access to health care, late HIV testing, high rates of sexually transmitted infections, and limited knowledge of treatment and prevention options^`2014have contributed to the HIV/AIDS crisis among blacks. Analysts add that the best approaches to treatment and prevention will take these f [msg continues in 22 secs] |
| 08:07:24 <gnadi> | actors into account. [msg complete] |
| 08:07:51 <bkasale> | Prof. Tlou to Presh: I would advocate for the institution of marriage to be supported and strengthened because we do now more than ever need a strong family unit to really fight this epidemic and to mitigate its impact. we could have premarital as well as marital counselling but with the caveat that ""when all else fails, please get out before you get psychologically destroyed "", and live to marry againn |
| 08:08:02 <Nonofho> | Otula: Orphanages are a prefered model for security and care, but the facilities requires resources for infrastructure, personnel and general running costs. The surragate parents somewhat provide the needed parenting environment but even then you have a significant capital outlay. I am of the view that for toddlers with relatives willing to provide care and support, it is ideal to place children will willing relatives or approved foster or adoptive adults. T |
| 08:09:06 <eunice> | Duncan |
| 08:09:10 <Thato> | THIS IS DR POLOKO KEBAABETSWE; Circumcision can be done at any time. But it is dvantageous to do it on infants and babies because they can grow up taking it as part of the HIV revention strategy. If it is done on adults, it needs to be coupled with education to avoid feelings hat it is 100%% safe and can be used alone. This is called behavioural disinhibition. |
| 08:09:49 <dorcas> | Washington: What are the measures you are implementing to help the community? So HIV is prevalent amongst black MSM than for Blacks lile you initially said? |
| 08:10:08 <gnadi> | Hi Dorcas, The Black AIDS Institute sees preventing the spread of HIV among African Americans as part of the broader effort to address the disparities in health and health care between blacks and other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The institute has called upon African American individuals, political, religious, and cultural leaders to engage in a coordinated campaign of advocacy on behalf of the HIV/AIDS need [msg continues in 22 secs] |
| 08:10:09 <swhite> | Here is a relevant study about HIV and poverty published by the Kaiser Family Foundation that has many useful facts http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=1825 |
| 08:10:30 <gnadi> | s of African Americans, including: [msg complete] |
| 08:10:33 <Christine> | Washington/Botswana: What HIV aids Widow/widower pogrammes on behaviour change have been successful. Because in Kenya the widows/widowers play a big role in the spread of HIV. |
| 08:10:33 <gnadi> | More on the Black AIDS Institute - Funding for domestic care and treatment programs; Lowering the cost of HIV medications; Supporting needle exchange programs; Rejecting the scapegoating of so-called ""down-low"" men; Demanding comprehensive sex education that includes credible information on condoms and other protection; and Adopting sensible HIV prevention policies in prisons.33 |
| 08:10:39 <Thato> | Please note that Dr Kebaabetswe is chatting from Thato's chat space. Don't be confused by the names. Nonofho is the Member of Parliament. |
| 08:11:01 <Tswelelo> | To Mma Tlou, Thuso also advocates for marriage institution, but most young people are excluded from the institution by the high prices of lobola, could you pliz advocate for its abolition |
| 08:12:24 <Pam> | Minister Tlou: You think you can check out my earlier question in orphans: WAS WONDERING WITH A HIGH NO. OF ORPHANS (60 000) DUE TO HIV ADIS, HOW ARE THE ADOPTION SYETEMS? How effeceint and effective are are to ensure that children do not grow in orphanages but in families? 2. do potential adoptive parents get tested for HIV? If so, why? |
| 08:12:27 <Nonofho> | Angel: Yes men are individually responding to circumcision. A good number is volunterily visting their GPs for the procedure. What I have not established is that these men have tsested and are HIV negative. Nonofo Molefhi-MP |
| 08:12:41 <eunice> | to Washingtone, How is the response by fellow blacks in Hiv campaign? |
| 08:13:14 <swhite> | eunice, please see gnadi's above response about the Black AIDS institute |
| 08:14:01 <Tswelelo> | To Prof Tlou..This one has not been answered yet...why are clinics in Botswana under a different ministry, does this not hamper the implementation of health policies? |
| 08:14:16 <Thato> | THIS IS BEATA. IN BOTSWANA WIFE INHERITANCE IS NOT PRACTICED. THERE COULD BE SOME PRACTICING IT BUT IT IS NOT WIDELY PRACTICED. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED OR COME ACROSS THAT ISSUE. WE DO HAVE PROPERTY GRABBING WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECTS MOST ORPHANS. |
| 08:14:22 <Redemtor> | The issue of having orphanages that get huge funding for HIV/Aids orphans but most of that money is used by Directors to buy big cars and enrichen themselves. Are orphanages the best option? |
| 08:15:02 <bkasale> | Tlou to Tswelelo: Definitely not its abolition ! Don't forget you are talking to a woman who has been happily married for 31 years and for whom 10 cattle were paid.What is needed is for the House of Chiefs to standardise lobola and the other requirements so that it is not commercialised and unaffordable. I have already asked some of them to have a session on the issue. |
| 08:16:44 <dorcas> | Hi Otula, is WOFAK still going strong in providing care and support for OVC's |
| 08:17:12 <Redemtor> | My question is to the minister. How far has Botswana gone in achieving the Millenium goal of reducing child and maternal mortality? |
| 08:17:15 <otula> | Here in Kenya although marraige seem to be a threat unlike Botswana where it is seen as good in the war against HIV/Aids. It is estimated that there are over 400,000 discordant couples and this is said to be clear indicator of dangers withing marriage?? |
| 08:17:18 <boitshepo> | Minister, I am with my colleagues in the office who are excited to have you online and who would like to know which new drugs are in place instead of D4T and DDI? And when are the new treatment guidelines coming out? |
| 08:17:21 <MOJAKI> | Is sex work legal in Kenya? |
| 08:18:00 <bkasale> | Tlou to Angel: we are right now finisshing a study on MDR and XDR TB in botswana , and luckily we do not have the XDR but we are intervening on the MDR. |
| 08:18:06 <eunice> | This is Duncan to Beata - Do you give food aid to people who have tested positive to hiv aids? |
| 08:18:14 <mulan> | what can be done to reduce the rate of teenagers falling in love with sugardaddies/ mummies who infect these youths with HI virus and pass it to unsuspecting ripe young men prepared to get married? |
| 08:18:26 <otula> | WOFAK needs major support and and not as strong as before in my view |
| 08:19:24 <eunice> | Duncan to the minister- Are politicians in Botswana willing to take hiv aids tests in your country? |
| 08:19:33 <Presh> | I think minister its an important innitiative you have raised to the house of dikgosi because some people are making buisness out of marriges, the more painful part of it is that most of the times its the relatives contributing to this thus denying the two people who are willing to get into the institution an opportunity to do these. |
| 08:19:35 <Thato> | Hi Eunice circumcion has not been implemented as part of the HIV strategy or HIV Prevention program but when we did the study on acceptance many people seem to favour it and suggested that it be done on young people |
| 08:19:53 <Redemtor> | What is Botswana doing in addressing the issue of old grandmothers taking care of Aids orphans? Is it a problem there as it is in Kenya? |
| 08:20:10 <Tswelelo> | Thuso - mma Tlou, the president once expressed concern at mothers who once enrolled on PMTCT falling pregnat, how is the situation. |
| 08:20:26 <Tswelelo> | Thuso - mma Tlou, the president once expressed concern at mothers who once enrolled on PMTCT falling pregnant, how is the situation. |
| 08:20:44 <Christine> | MOJAKI: Sex work is not legal in Kenya. But it is the big demand that leads to the big supply. Behaviour change is still the major solution. |
| 08:20:49 <bkasale> | Tlou to Eunice: Yes , most of us have tested, including our president ! We have to leaad by example! |
| 08:21:32 <gnadi> | This is great Beata. Has this noe become a trend with journalists in Botswana? |
| 08:22:26 <Redemtor> | IN Kenya recently we had CEO's of major company doing VCT as part of campaign to lead by example |
| 08:22:53 <eunice> | Duncan to Tlou- How I wish our leaders could follow that example. Only CEO's have done it here in kenya |
| 08:23:20 <mulan> | Are media houses now prepared to give us enough pages to vent out strategies in mitigating gender violence among couples, drug abuse and juvenile deliquency which are promoters of HIV infection? |
| 08:23:29 <Redemtor> | A program to test atleast 100,000 is going on spearheaded by National Aids Control Council but early indicators are that the turn out of people going for VCT is quite low |
| 08:23:45 <gnadi> | BEATA and OTULA, can you talk about strategies to help journalists ensure that media outlets highlight AIDS and related issues in their coverage? |
| 08:24:22 <otula> | WOFAK needs more support and in my view is not as strong as before despite its pioneering role in helping women cope with HIV/AIDS |
| 08:25:06 <Pam> | the media leadership is doing its bit here. campaigns taken to newsrooms, and in past week we have had posters with some of us advocating for testing... |
| 08:25:29 <bkasale> | Tlou to Redemtor: All our caregivers are given financial as well as psychosocial ssupport, nd most of the grandmothers who are 65years plus , get Old age pension, so they use ths to augment what the government provides. Besides, all education is free in botswana, with at least one m eal provided at school.... and i mean a really nice nutritious meal. |
| 08:25:38 <Thato> | this is poloko research and meta analysis done on some countries shows that countries that circumcise generally have low HIV prevalence but other factors such as religion need to be considered |
| 08:26:49 <beatakk> | Hello Eunice. Botswana provides food baskets to destitutes irrespective of whether they are HIV+ or not. Unfortunately, those are who are HIV positive do not get the food rations on the strenght of their status. |
| 08:28:31 <boitshepo> | Minister, a question regarding treatment for shingles. With high number of people who are HIV positive and suffering from shingles, is it not time that the treatment for shingles be made readily available in clinics? |
| 08:29:08 <eunice> | Duncan to beatakk- What of giving assistance to elderly widows who cares for their grandchildren? |
| 08:29:13 <bkasale> | Tlou to Redemtor: Our MMR is now at 167, down from the estimate of 300, so we are getting there, as well as the IMR now that 97 %% of our babies are born HIV negative. W e will reduce |
| 08:29:55 <dorcas> | Please Gifti share some of the good media practices for scaling up the efforts for HIV prevention. As a country we are committed to strengthening the prevention efforts because there is no point in ' mopping the floor instead of turning off thge tap! |
| 08:30:56 <gnadi> | Below are some recommendations for journalists in Africa. |
| 08:31:10 <swhite> | Here is a study from UNAIDS about the mass media's response to AIDS: http://data.unaids.org/publications/irc-pub06/jc1094-mediasa-bp_en.pdf |
| 08:31:31 <Thato> | This is poloko In Bots we recently had a radio call in program, many men called in and there were very supportive but there wer some who feared that it could affect perfomance. |
| 08:31:36 <Christine> | Beatak> The idea of food baskets to destitutes is very good. But can you enlighten me on the controls put and who is in charge of the supplies. Most Government programs end up in the food being given to non diseving people or even sold by the people who are suppossed to distribute it |
| 08:32:29 <eunice> | Duncan to Tlou - But what about journalists, have they gone for testing? |
| 08:32:30 <Redemtor> | In Tanzania recently the president did VCT to implore Tanzanians to do it i believe it can be done if Presidents just like Kikwete take such initiatives |
| 08:32:32 <boitshepo> | Minister, about HIV positive women. How are you ensuring that they have safe pregnancies? |
| 08:32:34 <Presh> | What is the relatioship of the media and NGO's because it seems there is a big gap between the two, i think that journalists should use NGO's for sourcing out information to the community |
| 08:32:36 <Redemtor> | In Kenya newspapers now are full of political stories being an election year and as we count 24 days to elections |
| 08:32:37 <Nonofho> | Dorcas: At an individual level, I interact with PLWAs through their organised support groups some of which I have assisted to get legally registered. I address public meetings in my constituency. I have asked a number of questions in Parliament on policy, service delivery, commodity security, budget allocations and advocacy work. The Parliamentary Special Selecet committee has in the past undertaken public awareness campaigns. We did a 200km walk in 1 and ha |
| 08:32:40 <mulan> | As parents in Botswana what can be done to control our youths and as parents how come our children are freelancers in their goings in and out, are we not also guilty in the spread of HIV? |
| 08:32:44 <mulan> | What is AIDS related Delirium? |
| 08:32:46 <Redemtor> | To bkasale i think what Botswana is doing is quite commendable and can act as best practice in Africa. Infact we were arguing about that in our workshop in the morning and some of the journalists were of the view that it is not enough for the government to just give money but for it to be sustainable then govt can start a project where old women and orphans can work and earn a living. I dont know what the rest think about this |
| 08:32:51 <Journo4life> | out of this interaction, i would like to get assurance from the minister of health that how easy is it going to be for journalist to get information about hiv and aids for their stories/ |
| 08:33:06 <Tswelelo> | to the health minister, media reports in South africa, indicate that a man who was circumcised at an early age is suing the government, if you are going to implement the circumcision how would you guard against it happening here if you are to circumcise bana. |
| 08:33:10 <Presh> | To you in Kenya, how far is the country on issues of treatmenta and prevention of HIV/ AIDS |
| 08:34:13 <otula> | First journalists need to acquire, sharpen and constantly update their communication or journalistic skills making them generate stories that are competitive. The strategy involves reghular training and review workshops. It involves networking among the journalists and working closely with the editors. Those who are more experienced/skilled are also econuraged to mentor others within newsrooms |
| 08:34:50 <eunice> | Duncan in kenya to Washington- Use of needles and other medical equipments are also blamed for the spread of Aids in some countries, is this also common in Botsawana? |
| 08:34:53 <Redemtor> | Minister please let us know what your government is doing to ensure safe motherhood and achieve MDGs? |
| 08:34:58 <Redemtor> | to bkasale What Botswana is doing is quite commandable and should serve as best practice for Africa |
| 08:35:18 <Nonofho> | Tswelelo: HIV/AIDS impacts poiliticians like all other members of the society. They are affected as much as all are. I am not awrae of an politician who has gone public about their status. They often engage the public on issues of behaviour change. Nonofo Molefhi - MP |
| 08:35:59 <mulan615> | Apart from encouraging males to go for circumcision do we inform them that it is not a guaratee they can as well contract the virus? |
| 08:36:07 <eunice> | Duncan in kenya to Presh- Already the government provides Arvs free to all government hospital and mission hospitals. The campaign against the scource is also on |
| 08:36:11 <bkasale> | TLOU TO TSWELELO:THIS HAS BEEN A DECISION TAKEN AT NAC, SO THE PARENTS WILL BE COV ERED BY THE FACT THAT THSI WILL BE DONE THROUGH A PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE RATHER THAN JUST INDIVIDUAL WHIMS OF PARENTS |
| 08:36:31 <otula> | We also encourage journalists to develop adequate background information an all aspects of HIV/AIDS plus having easily assessible sources of credible information. We are also moving towards focusing more on investigative journalism |
| 08:37:02 <Christine> | Nonofho: Minister are there some politicians who tested positive and went public about their status |
| 08:37:24 <Redemtor> | Kenya has made strides in terms of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/Aids but attitude (negative) of some health care workers is hampering this progress. Some pregnant women are mishandled or neglected when they visit anti natal clinics |
| 08:37:26 <Presh> | Minister, recently we have had media reporting more on high martenal death, is this in any way related to HIV and what are other contributing factors and what is the country doing to adress this issue |
| 08:38:32 <beatakk> | This is Beata. In Botswana following the Maisha Yetu initiative, most newsroms have now and are in the process of establishing health desks. This makes it easier for newspapers to improve the quality and quantity of their coverage. The media should also refrain from events driven coverage and advocate for giving HIV/AIDS a human face. This, the Botswana media is now doing. For WAD we produced an eight page supplement which was carried in all the Botswana new |
| 08:38:34 <bkasale> | TLOU TO JOURNO4LIFE: IT IS QUITE EASY FOR OUR JOURNALISTS TO GET INFO FORR THEIR STORIES AND WE DO ENCOURAGE THE M TO REPORT ON HIV/AIDS ISSUES |
| 08:38:38 <Pam> | Hello to DC: What are critical areas of concern in the States as regards the spread of HIV? nd leadership - how involved are the different sectors - business, polics, media etc. |
| 08:39:13 <Redemtor> | Even thou the government is providing free ARV in health centres countrywide a challenge of nutrition and HIV/Aids has come with some patients not being able to take the drugs because they dont have food |
| 08:39:30 <Journo4life> | Otula, just a comment, as journos, sometimes we show commitment in effectively reporting for the course of changing behaviour, but what should we do about the stumbling block where we dont get the right information at the right time, coupled with getting information from someone who will keep on saying ""let me look for that information i'll get back to you,"" they they are gone for good? |
| 08:40:05 <dorcas> | To Washington: Is access to HIV treatment easy for the people of America especially the most affected and infected? |
| 08:40:08 <swhite> | Pam and Dorcas, according to an article from the Open Society Institute published last year, the United States is failing to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Here are some examples as to why: U.S. efforts against the disease are uncoordinated, with no national plan for comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, and support; Half the people in the U.S. who need HIV treatment are not receiving it; The number of [msg continues in 22 secs] |
| 08:40:30 <swhite> | new HIV infections in the U.S.^`201440,000 a year^`2014has not decreased in over a decade [msg complete] |
| 08:40:33 <bkasale> | TLOU TO PRESH: MMR HAAS GONE DOWN NOW THAT WOMEN HAVE ACCESS TO AR V S. SEE MY RESPONSE TO REDEMTER |
| 08:40:39 <Nonofho> | Mojaki: Political on the general recognise that HIV/AIDS is a national epidemic but they do not place emphasis on the same scale. BDP has a party policy on HIV/AIDS and is part of discussion issues in party structures. Other parties have been challenged to make explicit policy positions but not much has been delivered. Nonofo Molefhi - MP |
| 08:43:39 <eunice> | Duncan to mojaki- Nice to hear that BDP party has policy, do they really implement it or it is used in getting votes and donor funds |
| 08:44:46 <bkasale> | TLOU TO ALL: HON MOLEFHI IS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE MALE SECTOR, AND THIS IS THE SECTOR THAT HAS TAUGHT AND ROLE MODELLED TTO OUR MEN THAT ' IT IS MACHO TO CARE, TO BE FAITHFUL, AND TO TEST FOR HIV' WE NEED MOORE MEN LIKE HIM AT HIGH LEVEL. |
| 08:45:36 <Journo4life> | to minister tlou, I hear about this plliative care as a good programme and since you launched it sometimes back i dont see much of its been implemented, or at least something refered to about the programme in helping combat the spread of HIV, or helping those affected. |
| 08:47:08 <Redemtor> | to Kasale its is good that male initiative in the fight against HIV is working in Botswana. Are men involved also in PMTCT? |
| 08:47:15 <bkasale> | TLOU TO EUNICE; THE BDP POLICY WAS DEVELOPPED BY ME BEFORE I BECAME A N MP/MINISTER, AND YES IT IS REALLY IMPLEMENTED. DON'T FORGET THAT IT IS OUR POLICY THAT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED AT NATIONAL LEVEL / |
| 08:47:30 <Pam> | Thanks DC. It worries when there is not much progress in the developed world, coz in this part of the world we tend to look up to you guys for direction. maybe you shoud now check us out... And Kenya, what really is the incidence rate? |
| 08:47:32 <Nonofho> | PAM: Behaviour chane has been discussed amongst MPs and even the issue of taking tests publicly. I trust that individually each MP has to take responsibility for their own lives and those of their constituents. The media at some point threatened to put the MPs bad behaviour in public. may be that will motivate them to be examplery for those who are found wanting. Nonofo Molefhi-MP |
| 08:48:05 <beatakk> | From Beata, Dear all, you can download the World Aids Day supplement at *www.thevoicebw.com* to read more on the Truvada TDF2 Trials as well as an article on circumcision. |
| 08:49:45 <otula> | It is always important to have several sources of information so that one is not never dependent on a single source always. Get sources in universities, NGOs, ministry of health, the affected communities/individuals etc, UNAIDS, WHO UNICEF UNIFEM, etc. Besides we nowadays have internet searches just go there and get background info etc. Remember you will be ot of a job if you continue saying the sources were not available |
| 08:50:51 <Pam> | Once again: Media leadership- what are we saying as leaders in the media? What is our role? Are we taking lead, or we will continue to be conveyor belts even when trouble is on our doorsteps? |
| 08:50:54 <bkasale> | Tlou to Journo4life: Palliative care is being impleemented by the hospices. I must say that, with ARVs available to moost, there are very few patients on Home ~based care. they went from 19,000 to less than 4,000 within 2 years. |
| 08:51:19 <Thato> | Poloko to Redemtor In my study on men invovelmet in PMTC shows that men are very much wiling to be invol ed and are every supportive except that s ometimes sp but would do better if it was nto of factor suc as culture d lbe |
| 08:51:23 <eunice> | Duncan to Tlou - How did you manage to get legislators to do HIV test in your country?Any advice on how it can be done in kenya D |
| 08:52:34 <gnadi> | Hi Pam, thanks for your comment about media leadership. Can we brainstorm a bit about the leadership role of journalists on this issue? |
| 08:53:21 <Presh> | To Nonofho, i think that was a good idea because we say our leaders should lead by example and yet some of them do the oppsoite. It is high time such behaviours are scandalised if need arises to try and get the message through to people very clearly, lets not behave like we do not know what is going on in the coutry but rather do all we can to get on top of the situaation |
| 08:54:48 <Journo4life> | leadership in the fight against hiv and aids to say might have many faces, which leadership, small comapnies, big companies traditional leaders and many others. how could we ensure that each leader or all leaders are in the fight. what would happen to those that are not keen in the fight. |
| 08:55:12 <Nonofho> | Christine: In Botswana aggrived spouses have access to the courts for divorce. Even where the marriage was solemnised in a customary way, the spouse desiring a divorce can prosecute their rights through the customary courts which in our case are part of the judicial service system. It is noted that HIV/AIDS is significant in married persons. Here we have a significant number of female headed households. we have now started promoting couple counselling and tes |
| 08:55:14 <Redemtor> | To Thato Poloko can you kindly share your study with us? Is it in soft copy? |
| 08:55:42 <Journo4life> | i am asking this because ""small leaders"" in the form of small entities might say we need support moneywise to contribute to the fight, if i may say. |
| 08:56:10 <Redemtor> | TO Washington how do journalists in America put their leaders to task to set aside funding for HIV/Aids? |
| 08:57:05 <Redemtor> | To Pam i think media leaders should should consider themselves part of the society and also affected by this scourge. They should not just be on the firing squad but be part of the group looking for a way forward or solution |
| 08:57:13 <bkasale> | Tlou to Duncan: The President and some people like my husband and I, Hon Nonofho, the deputy speaker, etc, set the example and i guess it justbec ame fashionable. Let the Kenya president and first lady do likewise and you will see wonders. inspired them. |
| 08:57:26 <Pam> | This is how President Mogae put it recently - ""we are in the same boat, the media is no immune..."" I liked that, coz i think for a long time we have been, as media, adopting the potention, maybe unintentionally, that we are to write about HIV, as if we are distant from the reality of the infections... and death therefore. My worry then is that when we talk HIV today, we have decided having a Health/HIV desk is enough, and everything becomes the""baby"" of the repo |
| 08:57:30 <Journo4life> | what has been the response. just as devaluation a lot of companies played around with relocating, dont we think some may follow suit because they may say our profits are seriously affected by the fight agianst hiv? |
| 08:59:43 <Presh> | To DC, since you have been ahead with the ARV treatment, are there any emerging side effectsespecailly on people who have ben on treatment fo long |
| 08:59:48 <swhite> | Presh, we don't currently have a medical expert on here to answer your question, but we do know that the side effects oF ARVs vary depending on the recipient of the drugs and their CD4 count |
| 09:00:18 <beatakk> | In media leadership issues, we have to add that three newspapers, Mmegi, Sunday Standard and The Voice have developed HIV/AIDS Code of Conduct as well as Workplace Policy to be launched in the new year. On Wednesday the newspaper's management will sign and commit to the documents. I would like see more media intervention but will happily say we are well on our way there. The challenge is to bridge the gap between the media and NGO's/other stakeholders involv |
| 09:02:00 <Presh> | To Washington, how is the relationship between the NGO's in the US |
| 09:02:00 <eunice> | Duncan to Tlou - Lets hope our elections gives us a President that we can reach, as a journalists I will try selling the Mogae lead to the new guy in the white house |
| 09:02:04 <Nonofho> | Christine: I am not awre of any politician in Botswana who is positive and went public about their status. Nonofo Molefhi-MP |
| 09:02:39 <Pam> | Thanks Beata. We need more of such media initiatives.... if we take our position, we will be n a confortable position to take other leaders to task if they don't meet their mandate. |
| 09:02:48 <bkasale> | Tlou to Presh: Some of our people have been on ARVs for 6 to 9 years now, There are really no adverse side effects and the survival rate is about 91%%, a bit higher for women, |
| 09:03:09 <Thato> | Poloko Redemtor yes it is hard copy not publised yet |
| 09:03:13 <KathleenC> | Hello, everbody, this is Kathleen from Washington, DC. There are many journlaists in the United States who have followed HIV/AIDS for years. The tradition in the U.S. journalism is to remain objective, so I doubt that you will see jouranlists lobbying directly for set aside of funds. What they can and do do, however, is become experts in HIVAIDS. the science of it, the way it is handled at the bureacratic level and what new developments there are in the sci |
| 09:03:15 <MOJAKI> | Beata do you know exactly why Guardia/Sun havent yet developed the HIV-Conduct despite being under one company-CBET with Mmegi-this is worrying |
| 09:03:32 <Redemtor> | Pams response there is quite interesting. Yes as the president said ""we are in the same boat and the media is not immune"" we should all be involved in the fight against HIV because it affects all of us. If you are not infected you are affected! |
| 09:04:58 <Presh> | Beata, infact i have asked that quetsion before and did not get a response , on what the relationship is between NGOS and media. There is indeed a need to bridge the gap between the parties concerned to imporove the flow of HIV/ AIDS info tom our com munitie***********s |
| 09:06:28 <beatakk> | My comment was cut... The issue of prominent leadership testing didn't go well because most of the leaders were 'negative'. We advocate for leadership to test without releasing their results. We had to accept that they were HIV negative on the strength of what they told us. This made some skeptical to test because it seemt HIV positive status were for other people and not leadership.o acccept that |
| 09:07:05 <Presh> | Washington DC, sori i wanted to say what is the realtionship between NGO's and the media, i did not put it clearly in the US. |
| 09:07:14 <Nonofho> | PRESH: What do you think should be the action plan to get everyone to uphold that which all aspire for in terms of behaviour change. No one has the licence to do otherwise. Nonofo Molefhi_MP |
| 09:07:35 <otula> | The role of the media is almost unlimited. In general the media can help sat the agenda and even help determine what we see, hear and read. The media can run editorials, opinion pieces that help pave the way forward, The media can cover what other leaders say and do. The media as the people's watchdog needs to do more. In kenya media coverage of Muslim Imams and top executives or directors of firms undwerging HIV testing was extremely useful since these are a |
| 09:08:08 <bkasale> | Tlou to all: We encourage our politicians to set the example of ""test and know your status ,and act accordingly"", not 'test and reveal"" because that is where the stigma comes in. |
| 09:08:49 <gnadi> | Below are some action points for journalism associations from an recently developed IFJ resource guide |
| 09:09:00 <mulan615> | Can the relevant authorities enlighten what is meant by non progressor(s) in HIV and AIDS infection? |
| 09:09:23 <gnadi> | Demand that governments and civil society take actionto prevent the transmission of HIV and ensure professionalaccess to all relevant sources of information and interestsinvolved, |
| 09:09:44 <Pam> | Minister Tlou: We have quite a sizeable number of immigrants (legal and illegal), especially Zimbabweans in Botswana; Do we have ARVs and PMTCT schemes for immigrants (legal or illegal)? |
| 09:10:27 <KathleenC> | In the U.S., the media tries to remain separate and objective from NGOs who work on HIV/AIDS issues. That said, most journalists have cordial relationships with sources inside these NGOs and are well versed in who is in the know. In turn, NGOs court journalists and offer them access to information. I would not say they ""collaborate,"" rather that they see the value each brings. |
| 09:11:11 <bkasale> | Tlou to mulan615: a non progressor remains HIV positive for more than 10 years without developing AIDS. |
| 09:11:18 <beatakk> | Presh, We are in the process of bridging that gap. This year's World Aids Day workshop was coordinated by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) and Botswana USA (BOTUSA). This is a positive step as we had the opportunity to interact with NACA, UNDP and other stakeholders . The President addressed journalists at that workshop. This morning, the Minister of Health, Prof Sheila Tlou addressed and is currently chatting as well as Hon MP Nonofo |
| 09:11:48 <gnadi> | Journalists whould request that NGOs and national governments developtransparent media strategies that provide journalists timely access to quality information and resist attempts to exaggerateor distort the facts to gain publicity, |
| 09:12:25 <Thato2> | Has the american government not been taken to book by NGO's aligned to HIV/AIDS for its failure to avail ARV treatment to all who need it |
| 09:13:10 <bkasale> | Tlou to Pam: Our reources would not permit, but we will be providing ARVs to Refugees soon. |
| 09:14:25 <eunice> | Duncan to Tlou - Do you also offer free Arvs to the infected people? What does this cost the government in a year? |
| 09:15:01 <Redemtor> | Kathleen it is professional that journalists in American have choosen to remian objective and be experts in HIV/Aids and new developments etc but i think that is not enough.HIV is a scourge everyone should be involved in the fight especially the media because of its power to reach the masses and set the agenda. We are moving into an era of advocacy journalism and US of all should take the lead days of conveyer belt journalism are gone now |
| 09:15:05 <Presh> | Nonofho, i think the most important thing is fro people to be responsible fro their own health, if you do not care about your health then why should i?It should star***********t with an individual, oi nknow sometimes we do not aspire to get the infection, it just happens but some people got out to hunt for hiv, and this is the kind of behaviour that is not acceptible, a lot of |
| 09:15:07 <Nonofho> | To All: We can keep the discussion through my email - *nmolefhi@gov.bw* or nmolefhimp@botsnet.bw |
| 09:15:15 <bkasale> | Tlou to all: this has really been great, and i enjoyed chatting to you all. Now to the ministry ! |
| 09:16:24 <Pam> | Minister Tlou, Rre Molefhi and all... thank you. it was worth hanging and chatting with you. let's continue on the media leadership debate. pam |
| 09:16:56 <Pam> | Oh yes, my email is *pamelad@thevoicebw.com |
| 09:17:08 <gnadi> | Thank you Botswana and Kenya for a lively discussion. I believe Kathleen in DC has one more response for everyone |
| 09:17:57 <bkasale> | Tlou to Duncan: we offer free ARV s and more than 90%% of our infected people are on them. It costs an arm and a leg... more than P900 million, but what is the cost of human life? |
| 09:18:05 <gnadi> | A special thank-you to Minister Tlou and all experts in Botswana and Kenya. Look forward to chatting with you in the future |
| 09:18:15 <otula> | Actually NGOs/Govts etc tend to paint a ""good picture"" of things and although it is important that make avail quality info, the media will still have a duty to ensure that they do not leave things in the hands of ""others"" |
| 09:18:18 <beatakk> | Thank you so much Hon MP Molefhi and Prof Tlou for being with us today. |
| 09:18:19 <beatakk> | And thank you to all for your participation. |
| 09:19:13 <Presh> | Nonofho, my answer was cut shot, i was saying that a lot of people do commercial sex work and people of high calibre inclusive, its a pathetic situation, therefore its a call for everybody to be on guard of what they do.Huamana People to People has a project in palapye which delas with commercail sex work, visit it and see waht happens there, its pathetic, however we should not give up oon eduacting our community, we have to some day we will acheive our goal, |
| 09:20:15 <KathleenC> | Redemtor: Objectivity is not neutrality. U.S. journalists are very passionate about HIV/AIDS and many are crack reporters. Their work is in the context of the tradition of U.S. journalism, which is a very powerful ally in the fight against AIDS, but the tradition is to remain separtae and apart from the government and NGOs. Powerful stories written by excellent journalists are a key element in what goes on in the U.S |
| 09:20:20 <Nonofho> | PAM: It will be difficult in my view to extend ARV or PMTCT to transit populations because they may not have similar access to same on return to country of origin. This has a bearing on immigration laws around the region and the world. Even if donors would provide, monitoring and follow-ups are a challenge. If we extent service to illegals we may as well give them residence, otherwise we shall create legitimate expectation that this life saving traetment qual |
| 09:20:21 <otula> | Thanks to Hon MP Molethi and Prof Tlou. It was privillege having you join and am sure our Kenyan team has learnt quite alot |
| 09:22:23 <gnadi> | We would like to continue engaging the Maisha Yetu network in Botswana, Kenya and beyond. Please send us your articles on HIV/AIDS and stay in touch with the IWMF! |
| 09:22:37 <gnadi> | We will send you email addresses of all participants shortly. |
| 09:22:54 <swhite> | you can send any articles on World AIDS Day 2007 to programs@iwmf.org |
| 09:23:29 <Redemtor> | To Kathleen thanks for your response and what about influencing policy? How do US journalists do that? |
| 09:23:41 <Nonofho> | beatakk: thanks ever so much for this opportunity. Do it once in a while. MPs are getting ADSL in their constituencies, they should be able to get this discussion running. Sorry for those who are not ict complaint. Mme ka na ba tswa khosing to BOCCODOL. Once again thanks. |
| 09:24:08 <Christine> | This was very educative. All the best in your future endeavours and keep the mantle urning. Bye for now. |
| 09:25:10 <Redemtor> | To swhite where will the articles be published? |
| 09:25:27 <swhite> | on the IWMF website: www.iwmf.org |
| 09:25:28 <Thato> | sorry my email is *kebaabetswep@bw.cdc.gov |
| 09:26:27 <eunice> | Duncan to All - Thank you very much for sparing your time, till next time |
| 09:26:30 <KathleenC> | Redemtor: U.S. journalists are on the front lines of influencing policy by what they write. A frontpage article in the Washington Post or New York Times will shake up the government. Good investigative journalism brings issues to light and holds governments accountable. By staying apart, U.S. journalists aren't ""beholding"" to the government and so they feel more free to criticize and they do. That's how they influence policy. |