Case study 6: HIV/AIDS in Botswana

Question 1

What are the causes of HIV/AIDS in Botswana? (education+sanitation)

Answer 1

Inadequate education: not taught methods of prevention.
Contraceptives are scarce+expensive, so unprotected sex, so virus spreads.
Low availability of healthcare.

Question 2

What are the causes of HIV/AIDS in Botswana? (culture)

Answer 2

Polygamy: men have several sexual partners so increase chance of spreading.
Women are seen as children producers so can’t have protected sex.

Question 3

What are the causes of HIV/AIDS in Botswana? (economic)

Answer 3

Poverty: Not able to afford anti-retroviral drugs + forced into prostitution.

Question 4

What has been the effects of HIV/AIDS in Botswana?

Answer 4

Life expectancy dropped from 74 to 30.
Decrease in tourism.
AIDS orphans+Shortage of skilled labour+reductions in wealth of family (due to paying medical care) lead to children dropping out education to work.

Question 5

What is being done to manage HIV/AIDS in Botswana?

Answer 5

2002: first African country to provide condoms. (10,500 condom dispensers)
Free HIV tests
Anti-retroviral drugs given to 69% of infected adults.
Education: ‘ABC’ Abstain, Be faithful, Condomize.

Question 6

PSD for HIV/AIDS in Botswana

Answer 6

North-east districts have higher HIV rates. e.g. Sowa (66%)