The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that Ambassador Michelle D. Gavin will present over P8 million worth of supplies and equipment to the Botswana Defence Force for the Male Circumcision Program.
The donation includes three trailers of SMC Kits – 20,000 Safe Male Circumcision disposable kits, furniture, equipment and emergency supplies for 5 mobile Medical units, 7 Air Conditioned Mobile medical Shelters/Tents, 2 Perkins Mobile Generators, w/Mounting trailers & Sound Proofing Canopy, and a new 2011 Isuzu KB 300 Truck, Turbo Diesel, 4×4, model, Double Cab.
The hand over event will take place at the BDF headquarters (Sir Seretse Khama Barracks) in Mogoditshane at 13:45 hrs on April 17th, 2012. Press is invited to cover the event.
“Safe Male Circumcision is a priority program for our two nations because it is one of the strongest weapons in our arsenal in the fight against new HIV infections,” said U.S. Ambassador, Michelle Gavin. “The US government is a proud contributor to the national HIV prevention strategy in Botswana, with a long legacy of supporting evidenced-based programs like PMTCT, HIV Testing and Counselling, and care and treatment. But despite these successful programs, new HIV infections continue at unacceptably high rate. It is therefore our priority to assist the Government of Botswana toward the goal of Zero New Infections by 2016. If the majority of men in Botswana choose Safe Male Circumcision as a strategy to reduce their own chances of infection, the entire countryÔÇöboth men and womenÔÇöwill benefit, and the goal of Zero Infections will be in sight.”
For further details, please contact: Public Affairs Officer, John Warner (395-3982 ext. 2468), Laona Segaetsho, Information Specialist (395-3982 ext. 2419, fax: 390-6129, [email protected]) or Angelinah Matenanga, Public Affairs Secretary, (395-3982 ext. 2415, fax: 390-6129, [email protected]).
