Dat+T.+-+ASI+-+FA09




 * Botswana and Nigeria**

As I travel through Africa to document and inform on the epidemic of AIDS, I noted the difference between two countries suffering from the same horrible disease, AIDS, but to different degrees. Botswana has one of the highest HIV infection rates in Africa at 23.9%, whereas Nigeria has one of the lowest rates at 3.1%.


 * The history of Botswana**

Botswana came to be after the Twsana conquered the agricultural communities of the area in the 14th century. The tribes of the region fight between one another until 1885, when the hostilities were at a high point. An important contributor to the creation of Botswana is Khama III, nicknamed Khama the Good. He was a zealous Christian convert, and had done what he did to procure his nation's survival. Having been king for 10 years, Khama recognized that alliances with stronger and higher powers was needed to save Botswana from the attacks of the Boers, and the expansion of European countries. (Khama III)

In 1885, Khama III asked the British for protection of it's northern region, Bechuanaland. The north area became current day Botswana, while the south part became the nation of South Africa. The British authorities were surprisingly indifferent towards Bechuanaland, so it allowed the people to live peacefully and regain strength. In 1964, the British agreed with Botswana becoming an independent country. (Botswana History)

AIDS did not appear until 1985 in Botswana, but now, nearly 1 in 4 people have the disease. The usual prevention measures were taken, such as screenings, education, and medication. Organizations such as The National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) have set up clinics and the like to help the fight against AIDS. (HIV/AIDS in Africa)


 * The history of Nigeria**

Before colonial rule, Nigeria was a prosperous, yet dangerous trading option to the Europeans. After the Nigerian kings failed to properly control their kingdom and remove slavery, Nigeria became a colony of Britain in 1900. British rule goes on for 60 years, and the Africans slowly gain more privileges and self rule. Important figures include Frederick Lugard, who united north and south Nigera. Finally, in 1960, Nigeria is granted independence ,but political boundaries pit clans against each other and disrupt the the dominance of local and powerful tribes, namely the Ibo. Civil war erupts from 1962-1970, and many died. Nigerians then found many oil reserves, and grew wealthy and poor with the economy and times. (History of Nigeria)

Like many other countries, AIDS first appeared in Nigeria around 1985. The government did not fully recognize the issue until 1991, when they gathered information on the spreading of the HIV/AIDS virus. This concern was brought fully into the light when Olusegun Obasanjo became President in 1999 and established prevention and treatment as very high priority. (HIV/AIDS in Africa)


 * Important, or at least contributive, people that help relieve AIDS in Africa include-**
 * __Bill Gates__- Through his foundation, more than 50 million dollars was donated to the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP), which specifically helps AIDS in Botswana.
 * __BOTSU__- Created by the US's CDC and the government of Botswana, this organization focuses on research and is Botswana's governmental response to AIDS.
 * __Major Rubaramira Ruranga__- Ruranga is HIV positive, and lived his life carelessly until he learned about the effects and survival chances of AIDS. He is now an AIDS activist, along with many others, and has set up a network for the HIV positive.
 * __Former President George W. Bush__- He and Congress have passed bills that gave billions of dollars toward the general treatment and prevention of AIDS in Africa.


 * Political impact in Botswana**

Botswana is surprisingly one of the few countries in Africa with a stable status. The government of the country has done what it can to help fight against AIDS, by creating organizations and campaigns. With international help and tenacity, Botswana has tremendously lowered the HIV infection rates. Since the origins of AIDS in Botswana, all of its Presidents, from Festus Morgae to Ian Khama, have had to make the disease a primary concern. AIDS is currently affecting around 300 thousand people in Botswana, and the government has spent much to help.


 * Political impact in Nigeria**

AIDS has no //major// visible affect on Nigeria, with a low infected rate. With only 3.9% of adults infected, AIDS is not a widespread monster in Nigeria. The government, deemed weak and indecisive, has done what it can, mainly through Olusegun Obasanjo, but being ranked 158 out of 177 the world's poorest countries, despite having a very valuable resource, is not helping the government to inform and push AIDS out of Nigeria. (Fund for Peace)


 * Economic impact in Botswana**

Botswana has a middle-income economy, which is much higher than other countries in Africa. Diamond mining is the main method of income, but AIDS is claiming the lives of many present and potential workers, hindering the strength of the workforce. A stable economy shows that Botswana has a steady government, and a good rate of education. Once again however, HIV/AIDS is probably the main internal problem, increasing the unemployment rate. (Fund for Peace)


 * Economic impact in Nigeria**

Nigeria is the Africa's largest oil exporter, but is somehow quite destitute. 70% of Nigerians live under the poverty line, and it's unbelievable that possibly 20% of Nigerian civil servants could be living with HIV/AIDS themselves. Nigeria has the 10th most laborers in the world, but is the 88th when talking about industrial advancement. Besides the problems such as a corrupt government, or a poor average of education, AIDS doesn't contribute //that// much to Nigeria's flailing economy. (CIA Factbook)


 * Social impact in Botswana**

Health care and education in Botswana are continuously improving. Being such a diverse place, with a lot of homeless, war-torn immigrants, migrating from surrounding countries, Botswana has had to help many, along with itself. Residents of the country have had to leave their homes to make room for mineral mining, an attempt to continue the stability of the country. The government has effectively spread the knowledge of HIV/AIDS through music, advertisements, and even text messages. The negative effects of AIDS in Botswana include a rise in the number of orphans, due to family members dying, and the lowering of the life expectancy rate, now only estimated to be around 50 years. (HIV/AIDS in Africa)


 * Social impact in Nigeria**

There are a lot of people in Nigeria, and the density and climate are perfect for the spread of HIV/AIDS. AIDS will only grow stronger in Nigeria if the government doesn't act on AIDS awareness and prevention. More confused and ignorant people will spread the AIDS. Education and information distribution is __//astoundingly//__ lacking. Women, both young and old, are the main cause of the spread. Tradition in Nigeria tells women to marry young (as early as 15), so with the lack of experience and information, girls are not inclined to use contraceptives or learn more about the deadly AIDS. The youth are //definitely// at the highest risks of contracting HIV/AIDS from all the sexual and dark things they witness day to day. (HIV/AIDS in Africa)


 * Future of the Issue**

To solve or stop the grim problem that is AIDS, Botswana and Nigeria could try three things that would better themselves and improve their efficiency at everything.

1. Diversify the economy to stop the dependency of one major product. Both countries could accomplish many things if they spread their focus. Even Botswana, who is financially "stable" could always do more to create a stronger economic base. The two countries are too heavily reliant on resources that take too much, sometimes to the point of death, to acquire. Expanding to more agricultural exports will ease the workload and provide products that will always be needed and valued, not diamonds or oil. With money, more work can be done to help stop the spread of disease.

2. Improve the education. Education allows the poorest of countries to become efficient and progressive. Nigeria's education system is already too weak. The "controversial" sex ed class would easily provide a boost in knowledge. Knowing about how using condoms and other contraceptives and the methods (to avoid) transmitting HIV/AIDS could lessen the spread of disease. Education is key to advancing. Smart countries //move//.

3. Remove the weak spots. A lot of African government officials, notably in Nigeria, embezzle money from the government, and ultimately the people. No one should settle for a person that is not doing their job correctly or compassionately when they //know// that person is up to no good, stealing money for their own benefits. The citizens should do what they can (peacefully, of course) to remove corrupt and tyrannic officials from office.


 * Conclusion**

Throughout the revelations, one could see the terrible condition that Africa is in today. Millions dies each year from AIDS, and there is still //much// work to be done before even //thinking// about curing AIDS, but with more and more revealed to the public, the task of stopping AIDS will soon become a global one. "//**One cannot be medicated or vaccinated into health. These are only a small piece of the pie.**//" (You Bet Your Life)




 * Works Cited**.

"Botswana (08/09)." __U.S. Department of State__. 15 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

"Botswana History | iExplore." __Adventure Travel & World Travel | iExplore__. 15 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

"CIA Factbook-Nigeria." __Nigeria__. 9 Sep. 1924 <[]>.

"The Fund for Peace" __Welcome to the Fund for Peace__. 24 Sep. 2009 <[]>. "History of NIGERIA." __HistoryWorld__. 24 Sep. 2009 <[|http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=]ad41>.

"HIV and AIDS in Africa." __AIDS & HIV information from the AIDS charity AVERT__. 15 Sep. 2009 <[]>

"Khama III." __Black History Pages__. 23 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

Morgan, Elizabeth. "Botswana History." __EzineArticles Submission - Submit Your Best Quality Original Articles For Massive Exposure, Ezine Publishers Get 25 Free Article Reprints__. 23 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

"Photobucket." __Photobucket__. 24 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

Robinson, Simon. "Not Afraid To Speak Out - TIME." __Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com__. 23 Sep. 2009 <[]>.

"You Bet Your Life": An Unconventional AIDS Patient." __"You Bet Your Life"__. 24 Sep. 2009 <[]>. *