Welcome to .za!: 11/30/08

(21/10/08) ANC President Jacob Zuma speaks to reporters during a recent visit to Washington. When asked about South Africa's HIV/AIDS policy, Zuma said it is good. He added that if he is elected as South Africa's next president, he does not intend to change the country's policy but will maintain it as a comprehensive one.

Why Am I In South Africa?

This is a picture of me in the Cape Flats during my first trip to South Africa in 1998. I fell in love with the place at first sight. In fact, most people that I know who have come here share the same sentiment. The warmth and diversity of people, the stunning landscape and the dynamic progressiveness make this country so inviting. I almost consider it to be like a United States of Africa because it is a nation ripe with potential in the post-apartheid era. The economy is booming. All of the “buzz” in the country is centered on hosting the 2010 World Cup. Yet, one thing continues to perplex me. Why are so many people affected by HIV/AIDS? With approximately 5.5 million people (1 in 9 South Africans) estimated to be HIV positive, South Africa has the second largest population in the world living with the disease. After years of the government garnering headlines for its seemingly controversial stance and policies on HIV/AIDS, many experts warn the problem could get worse before it gets better. This month, the South African government has released an updated strategic plan on HIV/AIDS with the goal of cutting the rate of new infections by 50 percent by 2011. So I felt this was an important time to be here… not only to witness policy that could turn the tide against this widespread epidemic, but also to highlight the work that grassroots organizations in my area (Washington, DC) are doing on the ground to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. I am using this blog to chronicle part of my journey. Eventually the full reports will air on WJLA/NewsChannel 8 in Washington DC, where I am based as a reporter. This opportunity was made possible through a fellowship from the International Reporting Project (IRP) at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies(SAIS).

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STORY UPDATES:

Governments tackle HIV stigma on World AIDS Day

Zuma Discusses AIDS Policy

Why Am I In South Africa?

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