The United States government is pleased to announce $74 million dollars in new funding to help end the HIV epidemic in Botswana, an increase from $42 million given in 2019.
As part of this year’s funding, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing $6 million to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and is also providing an additional $18.5 million to two local NGOs – BUMMHI and Botswana Training and Education Center for Health (B-TECH).
These new agreements will fund clinical training and expand prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer in more than 60 health facilities in 12 districts reaching approximately 1.7 million people, as well as upgrading public health information systems.
While Botswana’s HIV epidemic has sharply declined over the past two decades, the battle still endures, and it is important to note that nearly one out of every five Batswana adults lives with the virus, and it is the leading cause of adult deaths in Botswana. The United States has proven to be Botswana’s oldest and strongest ally in the fight against HIV. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative has invested over $1 billion (over 11 billion BWP) in Botswana’s HIV response since 2004.
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office at 373-2419 or PASGaborone@state.gov.
