THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CROSS-GENERATIONAL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS ON THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN BOTSWANA

This paper reviews the literature on cross-generational/intergenerational sexual relationships in sub-Sahara Africa. A review of the discussion of the dangers of cross-generational sexual relationships between adolescent girls and older men, which are believed to contribute to the spread of HIV infection across generations, is made. Then an overview of the global HIV/AIDS situation, a brief summary on the HIV/AIDS situation in sub-Saharan Africa, and the HIV/AIDS situation in Botswana is given. The overview indicates that even though the infection rate is declining, the HIV/AIDS situation is still very serious. What comes out is that biological and anatomical factors, cultural factors and economic factors increase women’s and girls’ vulnerability to HIV infection. The research studies that are reviewed indicate that intergenerational sex relationships between girls and young women and older men pose a serious danger with regard to the spread of HIV/AIDS globally, regionally and in Botswana. Behaviour change communication programmes that are aimed at making people aware of the need to change their sexual habits should be mounted and the existing ones strengthened.