As the world marks the AIDS day on December 1st, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with its disproportionate burden of the global HIV-AIDS pandemic, a public health event that has assumed catastrophic proportions in the region. According to the UN-AIDS 2008 report on the global AIDS epidemic, 22 million people were living with AIDS in Africa by the end of 2007, with approximately, 1.9 million people getting affected by the end of the year.

The current Miss Zambia Universe 2007, Rosemary Chileshe, uses her popularity – via the ROC Foundation, an organization she co-founded – to speak to the issues of HIV/AIDS and poverty alleviation in Africa. Pamela Stitch had an interesting moment with the UK-based Zambian social activist recently, here is a gist of the conversation.

Can you give me some statistics on HIV/AIDS?

From my research conducted, the number of people living with HIV is continuing to rise in every part of the world - including the UK. Currently, approximately 33 million people are living with HIV worldwide, approximately 80,000 of those are within the UK.

How did you get involved in the fight?

I have been actively campaigning for HIV/AIDS since 2002. My reasons are simply that, the reality is, the pandemic has been there for years and still we are continuing to witness a rise in statistics. I may only be a single voice but that is one of my main drivers, to continue fighting the fight and get more people on board and for those already on board, to encourage them to think outside the box and come up with different ways of raising awareness hence motivate others to join the fight.

I know you are part of the HIV/AIDS calendar -  what pictures/information will that calendar include?  What do you hope will be the impact of that calendar on people?

My fiance and I are the founders of The Roc Foundation – ROC Foundation aimed at raising HIV/AIDS Awareness and alleviating poverty worldwide, one aim of our foundation is to assist existing charities/NGOs in need of funding, it is through our foundation that I am involved in the calendar shoot, which was done on 15 November 2008. The actual calendar is a brain child of Marcie Von Garise, a former Miss Global International, all money raised will be benefited by HAZ (HIV AIDS Zimbabwe). The images for the calendar, which will be labeled “Beauty’s choice” will portray 12 different concepts showcased by 12 models from Africa who share a passion for the cause and will communicate a message on how HIV/AIDS can affect you, both the positive and the negative aspects, the overall picture will tell a story. I believe the impact will be huge and I hope everyone will be inspired to continue the fight.

Currently, the stats are quite high when you look at the number of people infected by the virus in Africa, particularly Southern Africa,  why do you think this is?  Recklessness, misinformation or disinformation?

I believe, like everywhere else, it is a combination of all. Fundamentally, my view is that, understanding of the key implications is lacking and resources are limited in most scenarios and also, there is the fear of knowing. Most people given the opportunity to know more will step aside, the fear of knowing is greater.

Do you think that many Africans don’t know about HIV/AIDS?

Tricky, without conducting a survey, I am unable to comment. I do however believe, there is so much to know and discover where HIV/AIDS is concerned. The understanding goes deeper than reading statistics or knowing what HIV/AIDS stands for, I think the best course of action would be for continued self awareness, a keen interest to be involved in ongoing campaigns or create your own campaigns and self education as well as of others.

Are you ever scared that your involvement with this issue might lead to your ostracization  in the community?

No, I am never afraid to stand up for my beliefs or to invest time in projects or causes I feel need a lot of attention. Everyone will always have an opinion of any given scenario, my take in life will always be to keep rooted to my goal, once my project has been covered in prayer, I am ready for my given task.

I know that you were Miss Zambia 2007 at the Miss universe pageant, how did you get involved in the pageant?  Did you know you always wanted to do that?  How does this involvement impact the work you do within Southern Africa?

Prior to Miss Universe last year, I was Zambia’s representative at Miss World in 2004. In the absence of a national contest for that year and based on my experience in the pageantry and fashion industry, I was the appointed delegate for that year. Contesting in Miss Universe was definitely on my to do list. I work with goals and always want to work to the next level up, having contested in Miss World, the only pageant I could only do in my view, was Miss Universe, the finale to my pageantry chapter. This involvement has created a positive impact on my work overall, be it, in the Southern region of Africa or the UK, I have been blessed with opportunities and the knowledge taken from an International level.

When you aren’t out campaigning for the cause -what do you do for fun?

I spend quality time with loved ones and friends doing dinner, watching movies, generally, just relaxing and collecting my thoughts!

How do you juggle your many projects and your private life?

Now there is a question everyone asks.Sometimes I am amazed by my own schedule, which no one forces me to have, I praise God for blessing me with wisdom and passion for all my projects. I always ensure I pray about the work I am saying yes to, so through the “knowing” and passion of my work, I continue to progress in all my work. Where my private life is concerned, I am blessed that my fiance & I share the same passions, so we are both able to work together, which in turn creates a full understanding between us as a winning team.

What will you like people to know about you?

I do not take anything lightly, I praise God in everything, I seek his guidance and direction and I make it my goal to be humbled in my surroundings. I am inspired by those who believe in their dreams and take actions on them.

Extra:

December 1 st is World AIDS Day – we can all get involved in fighting the spread of this disease.  To fight this battle, we all have to understand that this crisis is no respecter of persons, age, social standing etc and it starts from each one of us being informed and often becoming more responsible in the sexual decisions we make.   You can find out more about Rosemary by going to her site.

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1. Power Up Gambia
2. Wrap It Up With Uru