When President Ian Khama of Botswana delivers the state of the nation address next Monday Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) director, Uyapo Ndadi, hopes he will commit himself to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“I expect the President to show leadership on the issue of HIV and AIDS. I am certain there is consensus that we have lost high level political will in this area.

In the absence of political will bodies such as the National AIDS Council, which are advisory bodies, will remain toothless and ineffective for they know there is no pressure from the top,” said Ndadi in an interview with The Gazette.

“The recent ARV shortages bear testimony to us not having good leadership. No consequences have emerged. We seem to be indifferent.

I hope the President, since the Minister of Health has failed or refused, explains what led to the crisis on ARV shortages”.



According to Ndadi Botswana has fallen from its pedestal as far as the HIV response is concerned.

Botswana no longer sends high profile representatives to important meetings such as donor and AIDS conferences, he revealed.

“Despite available resources and wide coverage of treatment and drugs, we still have many people contracting HIV.

I expect the President to deal with these issues and engage in a bid to offer hope and visionary leadership,” Ndadi stressed.

He expects the President to give leadership on such important issues. “We hear his officers admitting to inmates (in prison) having sex, but not providing them with condoms because of the law.

I am certain, unlike Rre Mogae, he is not afraid of losing the elections and he can therefore take unpopular decisions for the benefit of the nation,” Ndadi declared.


The BONELA director said he would like to see HIV enjoying prominence like poverty in President Khama’s administration.

He also blamed Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament for their silence on HIV and AIDS issues.

“We only hear their voices when they threaten that ARVs are no longer sustainable.

His parting shot: “We need to be engaged.”

{Duncan Kgangkenna Lives in Botswana}