An Overview of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic and its Impact on Botswana

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Periodical article

Title:	An Overview of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic and its Impact on Botswana
Author:	Farrow, Patricia
Year:	1999
Periodical:	Botswana Notes and Records (ISSN 0525-5090)
Volume:	31
Pages:	143-149
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Botswana Southern Africa
Subjects:	AIDS Health and Nutrition Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health AIDS (Disease) HIV infections medical research Economic implications Social implications
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/40980247
Abstract:	The first case of HIV in Botswana was diagnosed in 1985 and the first death from AIDS was recorded in 1986. Despite early intervention efforts by the Ministry of Health, beginning in 1987, the virus has continued to spread, and currently Botswana is believed to have one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. The author details the impact on Botswana's health services, the situation of orphans, the effects on commerce and the government's response. The government of Botswana is prioritizing activities aimed at slowing the epidemic and addressing issues acknowledged to have facilitated its spread. Government and civil society are being encouraged to reemphasize the traditional Tswana concept of 'botho'. 'Botho' is being promoted as part of Vision 2016 to create, amongst others, a more compassionate and caring environment. Bibliogr.