CIB (Cait in Botswana)

Greetings once again! I am currently in Gabs (Gaborone – the capitol) for a workshop that we had yesterday. The workshop was on the sentinel surveillance that will be conducted this year. One of the main ways that Botswana tracks HIV/AIDS prevalence is through pregnant women because they are the main ones who consistently go to the clinic for care. So July through September we will be conducting a sentinel surveillance of pregnant women which should be pretty interesting. We will be monitoring their HIV status, number of pregnancies, and other basic demographic stuff. I love surveillance and assessments so it’s interesting to me. We will be conducting workshops at the end of June to educate clinic staff and lab technicians on the procedures that will be involved.

The Mosadi Mogolo Football Cup wrapped up on May 9th which was great. Overall the tournament was relatively successful. I think more importantly, there was a large feeling of relief when it was all said and done. The week after the tournament I took a few days off from the office to get a little R&R.

I went up to Serowe which is the home village of the first president of Botswana, Seretse Khama. Khama also met and married a White British woman while living and studying abroad in the late 40’s. The interracial marriage created a controversy among both the apartheid government of South Africa and the tribal elders of the Bamangwato (his tribe). On being informed of the marriage, Khama's uncle Tshekedi Khama demanded his return to Bechuanaland and the annulment of the marriage. Khama did return to Serowe but after a series of kgotlas (public meetings), was re-affirmed by the elders in his role as the kgosi in 1949. Ruth Williams Khama, traveling with her new husband, proved similarly popular. Khama led country when it gained independence and is hailed for helping to transition Botswana into the economically strong country that it is today.

The graves on a hillside overlooking the village of Serowe. It was really neat because you could see some of great early leaders of this country.

Last week we completed another world map mural at a local primary school. Which was a lot of fun. This month our goal is to get one at a local clinic done – this one will focus on HIV/AIDS prevention message.

So all that leads me to here, in Gabs. It is 8:30 in the morning and I think I’m going to go enjoy a hot shower while I still have the option!

Happy June to All!

Caitlin