The Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA)

My placement was with The Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) based in Gaborone, Botswana. Working in the legal department, my focus was not limited to legal advocacy but programing and administration. I consulted clients who came to report cases as I could converse in Setswana, documented cases and completed a Trend analysis for cases from 2016 to 2019. I presented on behalf of the organisation, attended meetings including the strategic planning meeting for the Gaborone, Tlokweng and Kweneng districts.

The major focus the organization was making the right to health a reality in Botswana. A this time Botswana does not have the right to health in their constitution.  The organization bases on affording Human rights to all Batswana (citizens of Botswana).  A momentous event that happened during my placement was the decriminalization of gay rights. This saw a major change in the LGBTI community and in the culture of Batswana. The health sector can now address proper condom use and lubrication and distribute condoms to jails. This was a major step in public health to reduce the spread of HIV.  The experience has been great and has challenged and encouraged me to focus on the legal side of health even more as it is a major contributor when it comes to implementation.