audio, stills, text and or video: Go to zReportage.com to see more - Swaziland has the sad distinction of the highest HIV rate in the world, with more than one in four adults estimated to be carrying the virus. The country also accounts for nearly half the HIV deaths of children under five, approximately 17,000 children are exposed to HIV infection at birth annually. Since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the country in 1986, the virus has spread at an alarming rate and now Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world at 26 percent. Multiple partners, child marriages, polygamy and gender inequality continues throughout Swaziland. Such traditions have been shown to heighten the spread of HIV and increase a person's risk of infection. Reassuringly, Swaziland recently enforced the new Child Protection Act that prohibits marriage to underage girls, men who enter into an underage marriage, could face up to 20 years imprisonment. It is hoped that this will increase the rights of young girls and help reduce the spread of HIV.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - MANDY, 8, doesn't know that she is infected with HIV yet, she thinks that she takes her medicine against the flu. Swaziland has the most HIV-infected population in the world.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - MANDY, 8, doesn't know that she is infected with HIV yet, she thinks that she takes her medicine against the flu. More than 25 percent of people in Swaziland are infected. Every year 17,000 babies are born with HIV.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - An informant from MSF wears a t-shirt with the text ''Test early, treat early.''
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - An informant from Doctors Without Borders, shows the locals how to use a condom.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - An informant from Doctors Without Borders, shows the locals how to use a condom.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - Doctors Without Borders holds an information meeting once a month to inform the local people about AIDS.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - Free HIV tests are offered. Doctors Without Borders holds an information meeting once a month to inform the local people about AIDS.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 13, 2014 - Hklatikulu, Swaziland - AUDREE LINDEWA is happy after finding out her test was negative for HIV. Free HIV tests are offered.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - A 9-year-old boy lost his parents to AIDS, but he is not infected himself.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - 20,000 children live with HIV in Swaziland. Many don't know that they are infected. Swaziland has the most HIV-infected population in the world.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - MANDY, 8, doesn't know that she is infected with HIV yet, she thinks that she takes her medicine against the flu. Swaziland has the most HIV-infected population in the world.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
Jan. 12, 2014 - Mbabane, Swaziland - 20,000 children live with HIV in Swaziland. Every year 17,000 babies are born with HIV in Swaziland.
© Andreas Bardell/Aftonbladet/zReportage.com via ZUMA Press
