On December 1st the world commemorated World AIDS Day. But ceremonies have been held even throughout this week in some areas in Botswana, for instance villages in my sub-district. The devastation of the HIV and AIDS epidemic is a significant part of Botswana's past (particularly in the 90's and early 2000's), and sadly, it will continue to be a large part of its future. With still the 2nd highest prevalence rate of HIV in the world, the people of Botswana have serious issues to address, like gender-based violence/stigma, low male testing turnout, and multiple concurrent partnerships. At the same time, they've accomplished a lot working together; Botswana has the best ARV (antiretrovirals) and PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child transmission) programs in Africa - things I might not know at all unless I were here. Botswana has much potential and I'm grateful for my Peace Corps placement because of that.
I just want to post links to a couple articles written around World AIDS Day:
1. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-blumenthal/world-aids-day-2011_b_1122377.html
2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ross-szabo/what-overeating-americans_b_1120055.html
The first is written by an expert discussing the roadmap for ending the AIDS epidemic, and I found it very inspiring. The second is an article written by a current Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana with an interesting take on behavior change. Hope you have the chance to read both!
