Botswana HIV/AIDS Radio Drama Series Broadcasts 1,000th Episode

Wednesday marked the 1,000th broadcast of "Makgabaneng," an HIV/AIDS-themed radio soap opera written and produced in Botswana.

Now in its 10th year, the program offers listeners evolving and relatable storylines infused with HIV/AIDS prevention messages. The drama is the result of a collaboration between the United States and Botswana, with the goal of communicating facts about the disease through an inexpensive and accessible outlet -- radio.

Executive Director Nelson Phoga said "Makgabaneng" provides an opportunity for Botswanans to discuss HIV/AIDS and become educated about it. A 2003 survey found people welcomed the drama and said it positively contributed to behavior change.

Botswana has one of the world's highest adult HIV prevalence rates. UNAIDS data show that in 2010, the country had an estimated prevalence of 24.6 percent.

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