BOTSWANA

A former colony of Britain

Independence on 30th September 1966

Has had one of the fastest growing economies in the Africa

Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds

Botswana is known for the incredible beauty of its wild life

Safaris are important source of income

But...this fast booming economy is being threatened by the HIV/AIDS epidemic

As of 2006, Botswana has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world.

Almost 300,000 people are infected with the virus, 24.1% of the population!

Stage 1 (1987-1989): Eliminate the risk of transmission through blood transfusion

Pledge 25

• First case reported in 1985

• Botswana’s response to the epidemic can be divided into three stages:

Stage 2 (1989-1997): Response was focused on information, education and communication programs

The country was bombarded with HIV messages, condom distribution boxes and AIDS awareness signs

No behavioural change observed

Stage 3 (1997 – present): Response was expanded in many ways to include education, prevention and comprehensive care/providing antiretroviral treatment

Stage 3

Prevention - of mother-to-child transmission

Education – Target the right message to the right people

Younger generations – art festivals, TV and radio dramas, group discussions

High-risk adult populations – diamond miners, sex workers

Treatment – a national antiretroviral therapy program named MASA was implemented.

-Goal of MASA was to provide antiretrovirals to all those in need of the medication

Miss HIV Stigma Free beauty pageant

Summary of Stage 3 response :

1. Targeting the right people

2. Improving of blood safety

3. Prevention of mother -to-child transmission

4. National ARV therapy program

Why does Botswana still have the second highest HIV/AIDS rate in the

world

?

Holy Cross Hospice

Programs: Home-based, Day care and Youth Programs

1. Home-based care

- Medical care, psychological and social support

2. Loratong Daycare centre

- Adult day care, care of Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC)

3. Youth programs

Bibliography:

Holy Cross Hospice: http://www.holycrosshospice.org/Programmes.html

HIV and AIDS in Botswana:http://www.avert.org/aidsbotswana.htm

Health Botswana:http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45822

Holy Cross Hospice:

http://www.holycrosshospice.org/index.html

Botswana Basics:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bc.html