Aids in Botswanna

Duane Young

12/14/09

AAAS 110

Final Symposium

AIDS in Botswana

Botswana is one of Africa’s most prosperous countries. Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966(1). They have helped set the architecture for the reconstruction of an African nation. Even though it has grown so much economically, it has not come without a price. Botswana’s focus on economic growth has caused neglect for the health and welfare of their people. Botswana has accrued the second highest AIDS rate in the world with 23.9 adult prevalence rate (1). Botswana needs to improve their health issues if they want to continue moving towards becoming a dominant country in the world. I as a WHO officer plan to work close with; cultural organizations, the government, WES, and youth organizations to impede this menacing AIDS epidemic and help Botswana develop into one of the few African countries that is not considered to be inferior to the world powers.

Background Information

The wealth in Botswana is not distributed evenly throughout the country. Even with Botswana having one of the highest per capita growths in the world still the over one third of the population lives in poverty (5). The biggest problem of poverty is the rural migration. People from the surrounding countries look to move to Botswana because of its known economic stability. This also contributes to the increase in the AIDS population. The migration of people from other countries creates slums in surrounding cites. This is what creates the uneven distribution of wealth throughout the country.

The Issue

AIDS is the most menacing factor contributing to the development of the country. In 2007 aids consumed 11,000 people of the country (1). This was the 28 highest in the world for countries who keep this statistic. For a country of only two million people this number is too high. This disease is causing the life expectancy to decrease. The age bracket of...