Distribution caravans perpetuate AIDS stigma?

While they are meant to demonstrate the country's commitment in the fight against the epidemic, the famous caravans have however elicited mixed reactions, particularly in relation to the perception of HIV and AIDS.

Toboka Chakalisa of Borolong village argues that, "although the intention of putting up these caravans for the distribution of ARV's seems to be a welcome development, this strategy has underlying negative consequences particularly with people's perception about this disease," he argues. He maintains that, "we must acknowledge the fact that stigma and discrimination against those who have been infected by this disease is one of the problems that we are facing as a society. Having separate collection points for drugs for people who live with this virus can only help to compound this problem of discrimination and stigmatisation," he reasons.