Sheila Tlou | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Chancellor (2021–2026)  |
| Awards |
|
| Position held | Minister of Health of Botswana (2004–2008) |
Professor Sheila Dinotshe Tlou is a Botswana nurse, specialist in HIV/AIDS and women's health, and a nursing educator. She was Minister of Health from 2004 to 2008. [1] Professor Tlou is a distinguished advocate for human resources for health issues. She is a recognized visionary leader and champion. [2]
She grew up in Botswana, she attended a school taught by Irish nuns—she had a gift for languages and drama, which motivated her career in Hollywood dream. [3] Tlou graduated from Dillard University in 1974. In 2014 she was awarded an Honorary degree by her alma mater. [4] Tlou studied at Teachers College, Columbia University, U.S., obtaining an M.A. in Education (concentrating in Curriculum and Instruction in the Health Sciences). [5] She took her PhD in community health nursing and a diploma in gender issues, at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1990. [6]
Tlou has taught at the University of Botswana since1980. [2] From 1994 to 1996 she was head of Nursing Education, becoming an associate professor in 1999, and 2002–04 she was the university's HIV/AIDS coordinator. [7]
Tlou represented Botswana at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. In 2002 she was appointed to a special UN task force on girls, women, and HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. She has also provided consultancy to UNAIDS, the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the World Health Organization. She took part in the international community educator meetings for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. [8] She served for seven years as UNAIDS regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa, where she provided leadership and political advocacy for the AIDS response in 21 African countries. [3]
She has portrayed Precious Ramotswe, the heroine of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency book series, in amateur theater productions, and at one time was mentioned in media reports as a possible choice to portray Mma Ramotswe in the Hollywood film adaptation currently in production. [9]
Tlou is currently the co-chair of the Nursing Now Global Campaign and Global HIV Prevention Coalition. Now Global Campaign aims to raise the status and profile of nursing for Universal Health Coverage.Global HIV Prevention Coalition was born out of the need to address the gap and rise in new infections, despite success in treatment and care. [3] She is also Botswana Open University (BOU) Chancellor, an appointment bestowed upon her by the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. E. K.Mokgweetsi Masisi from May 2021 to April 2026. Professor Tlou replaces Dr. PHK Kedikilwe, who retired as Chancellor at the end of 2020. [10] [11]
Tlou is married to Botswana historian Professor Thomas Tlou.
Following the October 2004 general election, Tlou was appointed as Minister of Health on November 9, 2004. [12] After being defeated in primary elections of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in Palapye, she was dismissed from the Cabinet on April 1, 2008, when Ian Khama took office as President. [13]
Much of Tlou's work focuses on gender issues and HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. Enabling women, particularly married women, in a patriarchal society to negotiate with their partner for safe sex has major consequences for HIV transmission. Tlou has worked with grassroots women's organisations and national campaigns to increase AIDS awareness in Botswana. She has also done a great deal of work in reducing the stigma of AIDS and helping HIV positive people cope with their lives. [14]
Tlou is a co-editor of the comprehensive reference book for people working in the field of HIV/AIDS in Africa:
Selected other works:
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who've died of the disease. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
HIV/AIDS originated in Africa during early 20th century and is a major public health concern and cause of death in many African countries. AIDS rates varies significantly between countries, though the majority of cases are concentrated in Southern Africa. Although the continent is home to about 15.2 percent of the world's population, more than two-thirds of the total infected worldwide – some 35 million people – were Africans, of whom 15 million have already died. Eastern and Southern Africa alone accounted for an estimate of 60 percent of all people living with HIV and 70 percent of all AIDS deaths in 2011. The countries of Eastern and Southern Africa are most affected, AIDS has raised death rates and lowered life expectancy among adults between the ages of 20 and 49 by about twenty years. Furthermore, the life expectancy in many parts of Africa is declining, largely as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic with life-expectancy in some countries reaching as low as thirty-nine years.
Male circumcision reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from HIV positive women to men in high risk populations.
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Thomas Tlou was a Botswana academic and historian, and former representative of Botswana at the United Nations. Tlou was born in Gwanda in the then Southern Rhodesia in 1932.
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