Myths are strongly held beliefs which are not necessarily true about HIV/AIDS, some of which are intertwined with cultural practices. Myths and misconceptions are an impediment to strategies that are in place to prevent and mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS. There has not been an established typology and understanding of myths and/or misconceptions in the Botswana context. However, several reports have attempted to capture people’s knowledge, understanding and perhaps perceptions of HIV and AIDS to determine myths and/or misconceptions.

Examples of myths about HIV and AIDS in Botswana are:

• AIDS is caused by dirty blood which results from having sexual intercourse with a woman who has aborted a foetus.
• AIDS is boswagadi in Setswana, which is a disease which comes after one has lost a partner or spouse.
• Elderly men can get healed from having sexual intercourse with young girls (cleansing of blood).

Nyaa, ga go kgonafale go tsenngwa mogare wa HIV ke monang. Fa o lomiwa ke monang, ga o tsenye madi ape mo mmeleng wa gago. Se se diragalang ke gore, monang o, o go kolobetsa fela ka mathe, a adirang gore o nwe madi sentle. Ka jalo, monang ga o amege ka gope mo kanamisong ya mogare.