SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS OF THE FILM
Specific Points About the AIDS Epidemic
1) Because of the stigma and social alienation, people don't want to admit they might have HIV. They don't get tested or try to contain the disease by behaving responsibly.
2) AIDS spread because of a lack of information. Many government leaders did not take the disease seriously. Other leaders, such as Malawi's Kamuzu Banda, discouraged discussion of sexually transmitted diseases.
3) Unfortunately, women in Malawi usually have little economic power. Facing poverty, they often find it difficult to say no to a sexual advance that may include a reward. Traditional initiation rituals may also encourage women to be passive when it comes to sex. Though this practice is changing, it is still prevalent in many areas
4) AIDS is decimating the ranks of medical workers, teachers, police, and government administrators. Many have died and there are few skilled people to replace them. This drain on human infrastructure is devastating. Crime and corruption are on the rise. As faith in institutions declines, the resulting political and social instability could lead to chaos.