According to Cassell, “were it not for sexual networks, the epidemic would not continue to spread”. He further added that “there is relatively low awareness of ‘be faithful’ as a prevention strategy in the country”.
He further stated that the Makgabaneng data for 2003 reported higher risk sexual activities in the past twelve months - more than 90 percent risk amongst the 15 to 24 age group and slightly over 50 percent amongst the 25 to 49 group. Moreover, 21 percent of adults (15-49 year olds) confessed to have had several sex partners in the past twelve months - the 15-to-24 age group mostly.
“It is not acceptable to be faithful especially if your partner is away,” a first year student at University of Botswana was quoted in the study as saying.
“I can’t eat rice forever,” a post-graduate student said too.
Cassell’s paper is dubbed ‘Revisiting the ABC: Partner Reduction as an Important Opportunity’.
