Stephanie Nolen's 28: Stories of AIDS in Africa is a book of stories, focusing on individuals affected with (or by) HIV and AIDS in Africa. She chose 28 for the 28 million people suffering from this brutal infection in the continent (in 2007). The stories, of miners, doctors, truck drivers, prostitutes, and innocent children, among others, come from different nations in Africa. They bring out the social, cultural and political aspects that influence and are influenced by the rapid spread of HIV. They book features courageous people fighting the disease, those who fight for affordable treatment, those whose professions made them highly susceptible, many others who are victims of circumstances or their own ignorant actions and sadly, many who are helpless and are not being helped by the Govemernments. To learn of the situations in some countries and their nearly non-existant heath system and its infrastructure is frightening. There is still hope, though. Many have worked hard to set up strong programs that distribute affordable ARV drugs which have turned around the lives of many who had very nearly given up. An excellent book, especially to understand the existing condition of the illness and how it is being dealt with in different nations in Africa. Nevertheless, it is painful to learn how rampant HIV is, how it has played with the lives of millions and destroyed their families and how it continues to do so.
Official Website.
