PEPFAR through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has injected $17.5 million (approximately P236.2 million) towards supporting the Botswana government in efforts to sustain HIV epidemic control.
Through the funding, Comprehensive HIV Prevention and Care Programme will be implemented by Jhpiego, Stepping Stones International, and Tebelopele Wellness Centre over a two-year period in 18 districts across the country. It also aims to improve health outcomes through strengthened primary health care and social services. During the programme launch this week, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health (MoH) Prof Oatlhokwa Nkomazana said the projects were carefully designed to provide complementary support to the government’s critical priorities in the areas of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
She added that their collective goal was to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 by demonstrating global best practices in health and revitalising primary health care in the country. “The Ministry congratulates the three organisations; Stepping Stones International, Tebelopele Wellness Centre and Jhpiego on being selected to implement these transformative programmes to strengthen our HIV response as a country. We sincerely appreciate the U.S. government’s unwavering dedication to supporting Botswana's health initiatives,” she said. “Our government has made significant strides in the global HIV response, being a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, the country has one of the highest rates of viral suppression in the world and has achieved the UNAIDS 2030 fast-track targets of 95-95-95 by reaching an impressive 95-98-98.” Nkomazana further stated that despite that monumental achievement, their work was by no means over adding that they had a collective responsibility to reach all populations and leaving no one behind, especially the remaining 5-2-2 populations. She also said they had to continue to innovate and expand their services to address those gaps. She added that their focus must be on elevating the quality of life for all and sustaining the gains by maintaining a country-owned, sustainable direction that leaves no one behind.
For his part, the US Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken said the programme would support the government’s efforts toward sustained HIV epidemic control and strengthen social services and primary health care. He added that the US Government was dedicated to its continued support to the local government’s ownership and vision towards achieving and sustaining near-universal prevention and treatment coverage of HIV/AIDS. Van Vranken also congratulated the three NGOs for being on the front lines, not only saving lives but helping to change the very fabric of society in Botswana. He added that they were breaking down barriers, tackling stigma and discrimination, and leaving a stronger, more resilient, and compassionate country in their wake. “They have a strong capacity to ensure that clients receive the services they need, whether offering HIV prevention services to OVC and Adolescent Girls and Young Women; identifying new HIV cases, linking them to treatment, and ensuring they are virally suppressed; or providing one-stop HIV clinical services. “This programme highlights USAID's commitment to localization in Botswana. It empowers local communities to take the lead in combating HIV/AIDS, ensuring sustainable and culturally relevant solutions that resonate with the people they serve. It is encouraging to see the commitment of local Civil Society Organisations (CSO) as key contributors in community health and social services, and their dedication to ensuring a bright future for Botswana,” he said. He also explained that CSOs play a critical role in the journey towards preventing and controlling HIV, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure not only herein Botswana, but globally. He added that the United States believes in a strong partnership between CSOs and the Government of Botswana to ensure that services reach all clients.
He further encouraged the three implementing partner organizations mentioned above to collaborate with the greater civil society community and actively share best practices, as a stronger civil society overall is a win for all. Moreover, BONASO executive director Gobe Taziba said the CSO community deeply appreciated USAID for identifying three CSOs as awardees. He explained that it goes a long way to show the commitment of USAID to empower and improve local partner’s contribution to the National HIV response. He added that it was a key ingredient for the sustainability of HIV response in Botswana. He further said the launch was not just to create excitement about the USAID Comprehensive Community Prevention and Care Program, but also to create awareness and initiate the process of buy-in from stakeholders to make it a success. “The HIV epidemic in Botswana has evolved and so are the needs of the communities, for example, people are no longer dying in numbers because of HIV. Treatment, care, and support have improved life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Now, there is a need to take care of the aging population, as well as ensuring the necessary care and management of chronic diseases that affect this cohort. This makes the integration of HIV services with other health conditions essential,” Taziba said.