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Doreen Motshegwa

GABORONE, — A senior health official in Botswana warned the public against falling for Internet scam claiming there is a so called miracle soap that can prevent HIV infection better than a condom. According to local radio GabzFM yesterday, the Health Ministry’s spokesperson Doreen Motshegwa said the government is extremely alarmed  by  the alleged misleading claims on the internet and has urged the public to ignore them.
Recently an “HIV-prevention” soap, brand named “Mo-Gae” — a reference to Botswana’s former president Festus Mogae, who has been a champion in the fight against HIV/Aids, hit on the Internet and claims to be 100 percent effective against HIV infection.
The soap is being peddled on the Internet along with a DVD, but many in Botswana have described it as a “scam.”
The seller of the soap claims on his website to have discovered the formula for the soap in 2004 when his partner of three months was diagnosed as being HIV-positive.
But he did not respond to local media’s questions sent to him, nor did he answer his cellphone.
Motshegwa said the best defence against HIV and other venereal diseases was to stick to the ABC model: abstinence, being faithful and using condoms, as well as safe male circumcision.
She says no cure or vaccine has been found for HIV and people should follow the rules for safe sex.
Botswana is experiencing one of the most severe HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world.
According to UNAIDS, as of 2012 the country had an estimated adult HIV prevalence among 15-49 year olds of 23 percent, the second highest in the world after Swaziland. —­ Xinhua.