South African journalist Charlene Smith South African journalist Charlene Smith writes about the spread of AIDS in Southern Africa. In 1999, she was raped, and feared the man who raped her could have given her HIV/AIDS. Smith had a hard time obtaining the drugs that could lessen the potential of her getting HIV. Smith then wrote about her experience and helped spread awareness about rape and HIV in South Africa. Statistics say every 26 seconds, a woman is raped in South Africa-- the country with the fastest growing HIV rate. Smith continues to speak about her experience and is pushing for legal and medical reforms in South Africa. Her website is www.speakout.org.za. Smith is a repeat Fresh Air guest, first on the show in May 2000.

South African journalist Charlene Smith

June 21, 200112:00 AM ET

Heard on Fresh Air

South African journalist Charlene Smith

Audio will be available later today.

South African journalist Charlene Smith writes about the spread of AIDS in Southern Africa. In 1999, she was raped, and feared the man who raped her could have given her HIV/AIDS. Smith had a hard time obtaining the drugs that could lessen the potential of her getting HIV. Smith then wrote about her experience and helped spread awareness about rape and HIV in South Africa. Statistics say every 26 seconds, a woman is raped in South Africa— the country with the fastest growing HIV rate. Smith continues to speak about her experience and is pushing for legal and medical reforms in South Africa. Her website is www.speakout.org.za. Smith is a repeat Fresh Air guest, first on the show in May 2000.