Dope Sessions 1

In 2008 an estimated 34.4 million* people in the world were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, 22.4 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa*. Issues of poverty, reproductive and womens' rights, make HIV/AIDS a particularly difficult topic to discuss. In addition, the fact that 2/3 of those with HIV/AIDS are in Africa, highlights the dehumanizing nature of the disease that encourages cultural and racial divides.

In South Africa alone the national prevalence is around 11%*. Almost one-in-three women aged 25-29, and over a quarter of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV.* To illustrate the effects of HIV & AIDS on humanity and to disarm the individually and culturally sensitive subjects associated with the disease, Nugs Ali and Basstectonics have focused the next two podcasts on stories and artists from South Africa. The Dope Sessions are not a tale of woe or intended to pull on the guilt ridden heartstrings of the fortunate. Instead the podcast series attempts to cast light on cultural attitudes that facilitate and nurture this preventable disease. Make a donation to Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS. (Btec5)