6 August 2026
Government has praised the United States for its three decades of support in strengthening Botswana’s public health system, describing the partnership as instrumental in helping the country overcome one of the world’s most devastating HIV/AIDS epidemics while laying the foundation for tackling future health challenges.
Speaking during the U.S. CDC Botswana 30th Anniversary Science Summit in Gaborone yesterday, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said the partnership had transformed Botswana’s health landscape and demonstrated what could be achieved through sustained international collaboration coupled with strong local leadership.
“The scale of that achievement becomes visible when we remember where Botswana began,” Gaolathe said.
He said the country’s remarkable progress was reflected in the 2021 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey, which confirmed that Botswana had exceeded the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets four years ahead of schedule.
“Behind those percentages are citizens who know their status, receive treatment and live healthy, productive lives,” he said.
Gaolathe noted that Botswana’s HIV response had done more than reverse an epidemic, arguing that it fundamentally changed the way public institutions operate. Interim United States Ambassador to Botswana Christopher Gunning said the relationship between Botswana and the United States was built on Botswana’s strong political commitment to protecting the health of its people.
“The partnership between Botswana and the United States began in the early 1990s as Botswana demonstrated political commitment to addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis,” Gunning said.
He said the collaboration had produced remarkable results over the years, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Source: BWgovernment
