Botswana has one of the world's highest rates of HIV infection, with about 37 per cent of its 1,7 million population testing positive for the virus that causes Aids.

Organisers of the Miss Stigma Free pageant hope the contest - now in its third year - will show the disease does not prevent women from being beautiful and living positively.

Cynthia Leshomo, a 22-year-old AIDS counsellor in a floral gown, was crowed the winner to loud applause from the crowd of about 500.

"I am going to urge our government to involve us HIV-positive people in work on HIV-AIDS, especially in hospitals, because ...

we know how it is to live with HIV-AIDS," she said.

Her prizes include cash, an academic scholarship, beauty treatments and a computer.

Judy Peacock, Miss Botswana 2004, helped the contestants prepare for Saturday's pageant by coaching them in how to answer judges' questions about AIDS and walk down the runway with poise.

The women, aged 18 to 35, were making an important statement by participating, Peacock said.

"They are telling the world, 'We accept our condition, and we want to live positively with the virus,"' she said.

The contest, organised by the Centre for Youth of Hope AIDS support group, was held at Gaborone International Convention Centre and broadcast on national television.

Diamond-rich Botswana has been aggressive in fighting the pandemic, launching the African continent's first programme to provide life-prolonging anti-retroviral drugs through the public health system in 2002.

About 34 500 people are now receiving treatment in the country, according to government figures.

But fear and discrimination persist, preventing many citizens from coming forward to be tested for HIV.

Another contestant, Neo Sampoela, an unmarried mother of four who was diagnosed with HIV in 1994, said she wanted to help break the silence about the virus.

"It is possible to live long with HIV-AIDS," she said.

"I do not want people to give up because of HIV-AIDS".

- Nampa-AP

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