It is an unfortunate truth for the continent, but the majority of HIV infected people reside in Africa. Furthermore, as 54% reside in eastern and southern Africa, it raises the question of what is being done about HIV awareness in that part of the world.

During Mark's research into what this disease was that has killed his brother, he came to understand that there were still significant barriers in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

In today’s episode, I discuss with Mark about the lack of parent involvement in sexual education in Southern Africa and the overall lack of sexual awareness in the schooling system.

Mark Van Der Merwe is one of our volunteers in the fight against HIV and stigma. He is an HIV Awareness Activist based in South Africa. After his brother passed away from AIDS back in 1999, Mark started an organization focusing on awareness. To date, his interventions have reached over 5 million people in Southern Africa, and Mark vows to continue until there is a cure for HIV.

So, listen to Episode 07 of Positively Alive, to learn the myths around HIV and what you can and cannot do around an HIV positive person.

Questions I ask:

• What were the first things you've been doing as an activist? (05:55 )
• How well equipped would you say today is the South African society when it comes to the epidemic? (06:44 )
• You've done many things with your organization. Apart from educating the corporates, can you elaborate a little bit more on all the activities that you've done? (08:38 )
• What is your take on HIV terminology in South Africa and how does it affect the stigmatization in general? (27:22 )
• In your opinion, how would young people, specifically, have to look at this subject to make sure that the future starts looking more different than it is today? (36:52 )

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why Mark decided to be an HIV activist. (03:16 )
• How Mark’s family dealt with the emotions of his brother’s death. (12:02 )
• Acceptance and HIV in South Africa. (15:31 )
• Mark’s advice for the people who have HIV relatives. (18:58 )
• Myths about HIV. (30:03 )

Connect with Mark:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Mark and the Positively Alive campaign

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