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Tribal leaders tackle AIDS stigma

    JOHANNESBURG

    Botswana Paramount Chief Kgosi Kgari Sechele III and 30 of his tribal leaders have voluntarily tested for HIV to help lessen AIDS-related stigma.

    Research shows that an estimated 38 percent of the country's adults aged between 15 and 49 are living with HIV/AIDS - one of the world's highest infection rates.

    The decision to be publicly tested was made in response to a request by Peace Corps volunteers, who said it would set an example for other people to follow.

    Sechele was quoted by the Associated Press as saying: "It was not necessary for me to think deeply about the decision to test for HIV, because it will encourage others to know their status."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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