| iful diamond engagement ring or a journey diamond | | | | that more than 5 million people have access to |
| necklace can be an exhilarating gift to receive, but | | | | appropriate health care. Diamond revenue is also |
| what many people don't realize is that every diamond | | | | being used to help combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. |
| purchased helps millions of people around the world. | | | | In Botswana, where the disease has ravaged the |
| In Africa, where 65 percent of the world's diamonds | | | | population, officials have witnessed a decline, which |
| are produced, the trade contributes more than $8.4 | | | | may be in part due to diamond-funded programs. For |
| billion a year to various economies while | | | | example, Debswana, the diamond mining company in |
| simultaneously helping fund educational initiatives, | | | | Botswana, was the first mining company in the world |
| health care programs and the building of roadways. In | | | | to offer free anti-retroviral treatment to HIV-positive |
| fact, diamonds are considered the backbone of the | | | | employees and their spouses. |
| Namibian, Botswanan and South African economies. | | | | In addition to the great contribution to their |
| As President Festus Mogae of Botswana said, "For | | | | economies and their health care systems, many |
| our people, every diamond purchase represents food | | | | African nations use the revenue from the sale of |
| on the table; better living conditions, better health | | | | their diamonds to create roads. For example, before |
| care, safe drinking water, more roads to connect our | | | | diamonds were discovered in Botswana, there were |
| remote communities and much more." | | | | only three miles of paved roads, now there are more |
| Revenues from diamonds help fund the construction | | | | than 4,000 miles. |
| of hospitals, medical centers and hospices, ensuring | | | | |