Certain claims, myths, propaganda and falsehoods in these countries have proved to be extremely intractable obstacles in the fight against the spread and damage caused by the deadly virus. More often than not, these claims are no more than red herrings that side-track those involved in the anti-HIV/AIDS war. Botswana, once the country with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, has had its share of these myths and falsehoods.
The latest on yesterday's front are reports that residents of Shadishadi in the Kweneng District are shunning condoms because they get kidney problems after using the protective sheath. They have even identified the exact cause of the problems: the oil used as a lubricant for the condom. While a health official has dismissed this as a misconception what is going on in Shadishadi is a symptom of failure in our otherwise fairly successful efforts to control HIV/AIDS. The Shadishadi reports tie in with what obtains in parts of the country where there is strong evidence that the anti-HIV/AIDS messages are not sinking in. We have reported about research that indicates rising cases of teenage pregnancy with some girls conceiving as early as their 11th birthday.
