new beginnings

During a debrief at the end of my workterm in Botswana I was asked if I thought we were winning the war against HIV/AIDS. I didn't have a straight answer, I didn't really know how to answer the question. My job was to contribute to the cause: help the HIV/AIDS problem through the Holy Cross Hospice. Did I feel like my efforts were felt and appreciated? Yes. Do I feel the solution to this pandemic is close? No.

Being immersed in Botswana culture has enlightened me on the issues at hand. Despite the many efforts to plateau the infection rates, there is still stigma to fight and general behaviour and trend of relationships that stand in the way. No Batswana wishes others to know if they are infected and if they have yet to test, they usually don't want to know. Multiple partners are extremely common and the secret is kept to avoid any confrontation or abandonment. Gender inequality still plays a strong role in women being the hardest hit by HIV but it is getting better.

Having said that, I have seen progress and slowly we are getting somewhere. At the Hospice and other organizations like it, with the quality treatment provided, some patients are getting well enough to be discharged and start over, finding work etc. When I see this happen, I think, yes! we are winning but unfortunately the number of people we 'save' does not come close to matching the number infected each day and the number that die from it each day.

It's a sad reality, where we are at with all this. If I was asked how I think we should solve this problem in Botswana, I wouldn't have an answer. If I did, we wouldn't have the problem.

There was more to this trip than being on the front lines of HIV/AIDS. Despite the negative inuendos I may have portrayed of relationships there, I have met so many amazing people, great friends and coworkers. Batswana are a very caring and friendly people. I was also priviledged to network with people and organizations and I know I will be back, I think working overseas is a good fit for me.

My closing remarks:

There is no other way to live than in the moment. Sorry if that's super cliche but that's what I have learned most while away and I believe it whole-heartedly.

I do plan to continue to write, not sure when, where or what about but I will keep you in the know if you are interested in following my happenings.

Go siame (goodbye in Setswana)