Botswana officials speaking at a recent event in the capital of Gaborone encouraged young people to get tested for HIV and to abstain from high-risk behavior, Botswana's Mmegi reports. According to Mmegi, the event marked the commemoration of the Month of Youth Against AIDS in Gaborone.

Senior Superintendent Kabo Marage at the event said that people most affected by the disease are between ages 14 and 49, adding that it is imperative for young people in the country to know their HIV status and to use available resources to reduce the spread of the virus. Oaitse Mbaiwa of the Botswana National Youth Council called on young people to take responsibility by knowing their HIV status. He added that these events are held to increase awareness among young people and for them to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Mbaiwa also encouraged young couples to get tested for HIV together.

The event, themed "Commit to Zero Transmission Lifestyle: Youth Leading in HIV/AIDS Management and Wellness Promotion," was attended by police officers and students from Gaborone, Mogoditshane and Tlokweng, Mmegi reports (Mosokwane, Mmegi, 3/19).