| Abstract: | The HIV/AIDS epidemic has greatly impacted the lives of many Malawians. In 2007, one million people in a population of 13 million were infected with the HIV virus. There are 91,000 cases of children living with HIV and over 550,000 orphans who lost their parents to this disease (UNAIDS 2008 Report on Global AIDS Epidemic). At the Museums of Malawi, many staff have died of HIV/AIDS‐related illnesses. The gravity of this matter prompted the Museums of Malawi to join hands with other stakeholders in a concerted effort to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Museums of Malawi has found that the most significant reasons for HIV transmission are specific cultural beliefs and practices that abuse people’s rights, and that are as dangerous as the disease itself. The museum created activities that look at these beliefs in order to achieve behavioral change among youth and adults during the program. |
