The purpose of this paper is to share communities’ response to an evaluation of a short-term communication strategy for the
prevention of HIV in seven health districts of Botswana. Data were obtained from thirty six focus groups from urban and
rural settings of Botswana. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ministry of Health and from participants. Data were
analysed using content analysis for themes and categories. The results of the study indicate that communities’ response to
the communication strategy was generally positive. Communication strategies that participants were exposed to included
health education in health facilities, radio, television, billboards, road shows, traditional community public gatherings,
posters, newspapers, and workshops. The most preferred were face-to-face strategies such as health facility talks,
workshops, road shows and public meetings which provide opportunity for on-spot clarification. The findings of the study
underscore the sensitivity of male circumcision and the need for health care providers to consider the ethical implications of
their approach to different sectors of the community. With due acknowledgement of the study’s limitations, the findings can
guide health care providers in providing information about circumcision, in counseling those who are considering
circumcision and those who are not eligible for treatment, and in dispelling misconceptions surrounding male circumcision.