Ever since its inception, the World AIDS Day has been commemorated under different themes, which would be relevant to the state of affairs of that time. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It started after the health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. At that time information on AIDS was vital as it was a new disease, which people did not know about. In 1988, the World Aids Day commemoration focused on information. During those years, governments focused mainly on the screening of blood to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion. The second stage of fighting and the first Medium Term Plan (MTP) saw the introduction of information, education and communication programmes, but the response was still quite narrowly focused.

IN 1989, the commemoration focused on youth, mainly because they were getting infected in larger numbers. Even today, the statistics indicate that the age group of between 15-49 years is adversely affected. The theme 'Women and AIDS' followed in 1990. Women, especially in African societies, including Botswana, have always been vulnerable to HIV infections because of cultural influences and economic factors. In Setswana culture, a man is the head of the family; therefore, the final decision lies with him on matters that concern his household. A male partner would decide when to have sex, how many children to have and whether to have protected sex or not. Not only that but females depended on their male partners for social provisions such as money and food for the household. As a result, women had little say on their sexuality. The 1990 theme was meant to address such issues and sensitise the community on matters affecting women and HIV. In 1991 the theme was sharing the challenge, which implored communities to take responsibility and participate in the fight against AIDS. It was followed by community commitment in 1992, then Act in 1993. It was during the same year that the government adopted the Botswana National Policy on AIDS.

The 1994 commemoration focused on AIDS and Family. The theme was meant to bring all members of the family to take responsibility in ensuring prevention of HIV infection. 1995 focused on shared rights and responsibilities. In 1996, the world commemorated under the theme 'One World One hope.' At this time, the AIDS message had already reached a lot of communities, people had information on HIV/AIDS and it was vital to bring hope to those who were already infected and affected. The year that followed focused on children living in a world with AIDS. At that time a number of children born with HIV were increasing and it was vital to bring them on board. In 1998, the youth were once again urged to pay attention through force for change: World AIDS campaign with young people. It was emphasised the following year with Listen, Learn, Live: world AIDS campaign with children and young people. It was crucial that young people be provided with HIV education and prevention messages to help protect them from infection. Among those performing this role in Botswana is the Youth Health Organisation (YOHO), a youth-run non-governmental organisation that conveys its messages through art festivals, dramas and group discussions.

In 2000, the theme was, AIDS: Men make a difference. This was an effort to bring men aboard. Even today, men are still not very active in the fight against AIDS. In 2001 the theme was, I care. Do you? This was followed by stigma and discrimination in 2002 and 2003. The theme was repeated as the problem still persisted. However, it was crucial to fight the stigma as many people were enrolling for the anti retroviral therapy. The 2004 theme focused on Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS. This, perhaps, was prompted by the 2002 survey of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Botswana. It was found then that an average HIV prevalence rate of 35.4 percent existed. In the absence of any interventions, around a third of the babies born to HIV-positive mothers would become infected during pregnancy and delivery or through breastfeeding. However, early enrolment of women in PMTCT programmes was disappointingly low, in the range 11-20 percent, and this was blamed on a shortage of staff and inadequate infrastructure. The Government responded with training and recruitment programmes for PMTCT counsellors.

Focus on women was also essential as the status of women in relation to men created further problems. Many women lack the power to control decisions about sexuality, and remain under the authority of their husbands, parents and in-laws all their lives.

In 2005, the world focused on 'Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise' and the same theme was forwarded to 2006 with emphasis on accountability "Commit to Zero Transmission Lifestyles: Keep the Promise". The government has taken a more individualistic approach to encourage people to take responsibility over zero infection through being faithful to one partner. Each year, the government takes the commemoration to various communities.

The 2006 World AIDS day commemoration shall be held in Tsabong.