Botswana

HIV/AIDS in Botswana

• 24.8% Estimated Prevalence
  (Age 15–49)
• 5,800 Estimated Deaths (2009)
• 93,000 Estimated Orphans
• 145,190 Reported Number of People Receiving ART
• 170,000 Estimated Number of People Needing ART
  
  

  SOURCE:
  UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, November, 2010

HIV/AIDS Assets and Strategic Focus

Strategic Focus
The CDC and the Government of Botswana partnership began in 1995 to strengthen TB control through public health research. With the launch of the CDC DGHA office in 2000, the partnership grew to include HIV prevention, care and treatment and strategic information programs to maximize the quality, coverage and impact of Botswana’s national response to the HIV epidemic.

Strengthening Public Health Systems
CDC provides technical and direct assistance to the Government of Botswana to improve epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory, operations research and workforce capacity. The relationship has supported collaboration in a number of areas including HIV testing and counseling, HIV/TB control, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, and provision of a safe blood supply.

Strengthening Laboratory Systems and Networks
CDC builds in-country capacity for skilled laboratory workers and national laboratory services which are vital to the expansion of HIV treatment, diagnosis and care.