The Ministry of Public Service convened a two-day annual forum for HIV and AIDS public sector held at Lehakoe on September 27, 2011.

The Public Services Organizational Development Officer ‘Matseliso Lebosa said the objective is to share experiences and progress updates on implementation of HIV programs at work place.

 
During the forum, public services invited presenters from Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to present on nutrition and HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare presented on HIV prevention strategies and also had opportunity to watch “Lakau la Poho” and “Khetho eaka” Behavior Change Communications feature films.

Caption: Wellness Specialist Dr. Molotsi Monyamane addressing HIV focal persons during the workplace annual HIV forum. On the right the forum watch the BCC feature films Khetho eaka

Mrs. Lebosa indicated that the challenge of many line ministries in relation to HIV and AIDS is that there is no implementation of activities because of lack of budgets adding that there is still lack of management commitment in allocation of funds for HIV activities.

She said despite of the effort of Ministry of Finance to ensure each ministry has a 2% budget for HIV and AIDS activities, most of that budget is always diverted in other activities and not used as planned for HIV.

The HIV Prevention Manager from Disease Control Directorate of Ministry of Health Mrs. Anna Kampong conveyed Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) message to the participants and talked about neonatal circumcision as mode of prevention.

Each Ministry shared their progress on implementation of HIV and AIDS activities in their work places, challenges and achievements.

During presentations, most line ministries showed that they have work place support groups for people infected and affected with HIV in their work place, some ministries received HIV and AIDS training and some members are already supporting their fellow workers. The line ministries indicated that they have also received condoms dispensers at their work places which are always filled with condoms.

The public sector HIV and AIDS forum is supported under Global Fund Round 8 HIV and AIDS grant as part of workplace activities to create conducive environment for people infected and affected with HIV through networking between line ministries; sharing of experiences, joint sensitisation sessions, and establish support groups for People Living with HIV and TB.