Swaziland

Sorry, flash is not available.

Swaziland

Larry Towell

Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world, with more than one quarter of its population infected. Some 130,000 children have been orphaned or made vulnerable by the death of one or both of their parents. With so many infected, AIDS is impacting every aspect of life in Swaziland.

Post a comment

Read comments

These are truly amazing photographs, giving some idea of the true nature of HIV in the region. Thank you. One thing I should say though is that UNAIDS stats of HIV prevalence, strictly speaking, refer not to a quarter of the ENTIRE population, but of adults 15-49 years of age. Across the whole of the population it will be lower. Still tragic for the country of course, but when I was there in June, I saw evidence of much commitment to reducing HIV incidence, and in the care and support of affected people. So there is hope.

Comment posted by Ian Hodgson (not verified) on August 20th, 2008

Sawunbona Larry! That's great! A well done essay of photos and video's. I was in the Peace Corps in Swaziland in 2005 when the AIDS rate was 43.6%. This essay brings back so many memories good and bad. The poverty and suffering all around, but slowly people were being convinced to get tested and start using ARV's. It was such a difficult time, physically and emotionally. It's hard trying to convince people to use condoms or get tested when king won't even get tested himself. Ngiyabonga Larry. I know I will pass it on for others to see.

Comment posted by Colin McAuliffe (not verified) on August 4th, 2008

It's a marvelous essay. In the end, I felt sad and inquiet. It's terrible to realise that life has became a product, instead os a human right and a divine gift. Who has no money can't afort to eat, to take remedy, to raise children; cannot afort to live. Life has became a product. A property. Thank you, Larry, for bringing the Swazilan feelings and this powerful message.

Comment posted by Eduardo Baggio (not verified) on July 31st, 2008