Ditumelo secondary literature review: HIV prevention and faith-based organisation in Botswana

Abstract

The following secondary literature review was developed by a team of researchers from the University of Botswana, primarily from the Department of Theology and Religious studies, as part of an assessment of the present and possible capacity of various faith-based organisations in Botswana to effectively promote HIV prevention. Relevant secondary literature was reviewed as a means of guiding and informing that study-namely, the Ditumelo study 2007. The literature review focused primarily on HIV and AIDS prevention, both in the broader context and in particular to faith-based organisations. Although the focus was on Botswana, regional and international sources on HIV and AIDS were also consulted. Given the breadth of literature on HIV and AIDS as well as faith-based communities in Botswana, and the overriding need to manage and review relevant literature, the following review is divided into three primary categories: (i)public health, especially HIV prevention, (ii)religioun and cultural perspectives, and (iii) religious organisation-initiated or multi-sectoral HIV interventions.