AIDS in Botswana

Botswana – a small landlocked country in Southern African – is one of Africa’s success stories. Since achieving its independence in 1966, Botswana has experienced dramatic economic growth. Fuelled by diamond mining, cattle ranching, eco-tourism and more recently, financial services, the country achieved enviable growth rates by any standard. Botswana’s economic success has been bolstered by a stable democratic political system, good governance and progressive social and economic policies.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic, however, threatens to reverse Botswana’s political and socio-economic gains. In the twenty years since the first case of AIDS in the country was diagnosed, the virus has spread through the population at an astonishing rate. According to the most recent estimates, 17.1% of Botswana's 1.7 million people are HIV-positive, and hardest hit are young adults and women.  Like in other societies, this is the most economically productive segment of the population.

Not surprisingly, given the magnitude of the epidemic in Botswana many facets of life have been undermined. National productivity has decreased, the government's ability to deliver essential services and sustain human development has been weakened, and efforts to promote foreign investment, diversify the economy, and create employment have also been compromised. Most distressingly, over 51, 000 children had been registered with the national orphan care program by end June 2006, largely as a result of HIV/AIDS. Without a coordinated and sustained comprehensive intervention, the situation is bound to deteriorate.

How did an epidemic of such alarming proportions develop? Though no authoritative research has been conducted in Botswana to answer this question, some of the key factors thought to exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS in Botswana include concurrent sexual partnerships, gender imbalances in matters related to sexuality, alcohol abuse, high levels of poverty, and high prevalence of certain STIs related to HIV transmission. 
Against this background, Botswana has designed a multi-thronged HIV/AIDS response strategy, targeting various vulnerable groups in ways that respond specifically to their needs, thus optimizing impact.  The comparative advantage of various stakeholders has been recognized and is acknowledged in the National Strategic Framework 2003-2009, which forms the basis for a multisectoral, multi-level response. Stakeholders, including Development Partners, recognize the need for a single national coordinating structure to spearhead broad-based policy development, resource mobilization and Monitoring & Evaluation systems for the benefit of all.  The National AIDS Coordinating Agency therefore plays a central role and acts as the entry point for various HIV/AIDS programmes.