By Michael Liswaniso
OPUWO
Sesfontein was the place to be over the weekend when thousands gathered in the constituency to commemorate World AIDS Day on Saturday.
Residents marched from the Fontein shop to the site of the event under two big trees, with everyone able to find shade under the trees.
Speaking at the event, Governor Dudu Murorua emphasised the need for behaviour change in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He said although the world and Government are playing their part in containing the scourge, surprisingly the HIV prevalence rate is rising despite all these efforts.
“The world and Government is doing its best in addressing this pandemic through e-Pap, social grants and even testing facilities,” said Murorua.
Murorua who also commended this year’s theme, “Leadership is there to care” saying the theme was genuine because it calls on leaders to play a major role.
He urged respect and understanding in relationships, saying they were the only elements for a healthy and safe relationship.
He however bemoaned the excessive number of HIV/AIDS organisations in the country and the world in general.
“There are more than 300 organizations working on HIV/AIDS. It seems HIV/AIDS has become a money spinner,” said Murorua.
He urged residents to talk freely about HIV/AIDS to avoid discrimination and stigma.
He requested the audience to ensure that orphans are taken care of, especially when it comes to inheritance of property left behind by their parents.
“You will find out that some relatives take away all the property left behind, including what’s meant to be inherited by the children, but at the same time, register those children as orphans and again abuse the small grants given to them,” noted Murorua.
He called for an end of such practices.
One female resident declared her HIV-positive status publicly. She delivered a motivational speech encouraging others to do the same in an effort to avoid discrimination and stigma.
Things became quite emotional when the Regional Aids Coordinator, Charles Uarije requested those in attendance to reveal the number of people they know who have died of HIV/AIDS in the form of stones or leaves. The total number counted went up to 270.
“Imagine that not all of us stood up. What about in other constituencies and even the country at large; the number is huge and that is a clear indication that HIV/AIDS is killing people, and every one of us is affected one way or another,” said Uarije.
Governor Murorua handed over small gifts to two residents who support orphans and vulnerable children.