The failure of the American ABC HIV prevention model in Botswana

Abstract

This paper argues that the American ABC (Abstain, Be Faithful, and Condomise) HIV prevention model has failed in Botswana as a result of cultural irrelevance, the imposition of dominant American Christian ideals and a lack of local involvement and consultation. The paper will first examine the development of the American ABC Model and how it is distributed in Botswana. The second section will demonstrate the cultural irrelevance of the ABC model by examining the sexual practices of four ethnic groups within Botswana: the Bakalanga, Bangwato, Basarwa, and Baherero. The breakdown of the ABC model and its irrelevance to Botswana culture will demonstrate how the export of dominant American Christian ideals have strongly ignored and undermined sexual norms and practices. Lastly, the paper will demonstrate the importance of including local actors such as chiefs and indigenous NGOs in effectively deal with the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Botswana.