Makgabeneng is an HIV radio soap opera and public health program written, directed and produced by young people for young people. It is funded and supported by CDC as a prevention outreach effort. The program’s young creators are attempting to reach their peers by communicating with them in a language they understand. They are clear about the messages — abstain, be faithful and use a condom — "But first we strongly urge you to use a condom," said one of the youthful producers.

Our Botswana site visit ended with a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador. Joseph Huggins was interested in learning our impressions of Botswana’s response to HIV. Specifically he was interested in our impressions of the government’s role, its assessment of need, the response, including prevention and treatment, and finally the relationship between US efforts and Botswana’s coordinating efforts. Everyone in the delegation agreed that Botswana’s overall effort (the pieces we were privileged to see) was quite impressive and appeared wholly consistent with the need—as described by the government and those who work with the government. In Botswana, the highest levels of government were very involved, listening, responding, developing, directing, and encouraging partnerships in all aspects of the response to HIV.