Champions for an HIV-Free Generation

This organisation was formed based on the realisation that stronger leadership from prominent individuals around HIV issues was needed within Africa. The initiative aims to open a dialogue with governments and to encourage them to implement more action and public education campaigns. Through discussions with government and civil society, the organisation helps share regional experiences in fighting HIV/AIDS and urges the scale-up of effective prevention strategies.

The group of champions includes: Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique; Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania; Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede; South African Supreme Court of Appeal Justice Edwin Cameron; and Professor Miriam Were, Chair of the Kenyan National AIDS Control Council.

One of the issues Champions focuses on is multiple and concurrent partnerships (MCP). The organisation emphasises the importance of developing a nationwide campaign to reduce MCP and demonstrating strong leadership and engaging prominent persons as role models. MCP is common in Southern Africa and leads to close sexual networks that increase the chances HIV transmission among the people within the network.

Other key points of focus include scaling up male circumcision programmes, social transformation of gender roles and relations, and sustainable funding for HIV/AIDS initiatives. The organisation is assisted by a small secretariat based in Gabarone, Botswana.

HIV/AIDS

Reuters reports that during Mogae's 10 years as president, Botswana reduced mother-to-child HIV transmission from 40% to 4%. In addition, of the 300,000 people in the country living with HIV/AIDS, about 100,000 are receiving antiretrovirals. The United Nations notes that, despite government education campaigns in the country, misconceptions about the disease remain. Nearly one-third of people surveyed in 2004 said they thought HIV can be acquired through supernatural means, and more than half said it can be transmitted through mosquitoes.