Botswana joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, in Tlokweng village, with His Honour the Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe lauding the country’s achievements in surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets. Botswana is recognized as a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 95% of individuals aged 15–65 living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those diagnosed on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 98% achieving viral suppression (95-98-98). “These achievements underscore Botswana’s resilience, commitment, and innovation on the African continent,” said Vice President Gaolathe. Despite these milestones, the Vice President Gaolathe emphasized that the fight is far from over. He called for collective efforts to close the gap and achieve the 100-100-100 targets. He also highlighted persistent challenges, including gender disparities in accessing health services and high infection rates among young men, women, and children. “Innovative strategies are needed to improve prevention and ensure equitable access to services," he noted. ”Gaolathe acknowledged the critical role of development partners in Botswana’s HIV response, including the United Nations, faith-based organizations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the European Union, and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“Their contributions, including over $1 billion from PEPFAR and $88 million from the Global Fund, have been pivotal in our response,” he said. He further elaborated that Botswana has received PEPFAR support since 2003, with an additional $500 million committed for the period October 2024 to September 2025. The Global Fund, he noted, has provided over $88 million in direct financial support, with an additional commitment of $24 million for 2025-2027. As Botswana transitions from donor dependency, the government has developed an HIV Prevention Sustainability Roadmap. This framework focuses on increasing domestic funding for HIV programs, strengthening the health system, enhancing community and civil society engagement, and establishing public-private partnerships and innovative financing models. Gaolathe reminded attendees of the importance of addressing other pressing health issues, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

“While we commemorate World AIDS Day, we must not lose sight of other pressing health challenges, such as NCDs. Risk factors like smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity demand our attention. Let us commit to healthier lifestyles to tackle these silent epidemics,” he urged. Kgosi Puso Gaborone, of  Tlokweng, the host district, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical role of traditional leadership in promoting health awareness. “As dikgosi, we shall continue to foster dialogue in our communities on health issues, ensuring that individuals access essential health services,” he said. Kgosi Gaborone expressed gratitude for hosting this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration in their village, calling it an honor and a recognition of the chieftaincy’s pivotal role in the health sector. 

Botswana’s remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS is a testament to its resilience and partnerships. However, the road to ending the epidemic requires sustained commitment, innovation, and collective action from all sectors of society. As the nation commemorates World AIDS Day, it does so with renewed resolve to overcome the remaining challenges and secure a healthier future for all. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Zia Choudhury, praised Botswana for its remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the World AIDS Day commemoration. He noted that the United Nations remains committed to collaborating with the government, civil society, communities, and various stakeholders to ensure collective efforts toward an inclusive and healthy society for all residents of Botswana. “Botswana has achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, reducing AIDS-related deaths, and completing its HIV and TB sustainability roadmap,” Choudhury said. 

“These accomplishments are a testament to the resilience of its people, the commitment of its leaders, and the invaluable contributions of civil society and NGOs. ”While celebrating Botswana’s successes, Choudhury highlighted the need for continued vigilance. He emphasized that gaps persist among key populations, including young women, children, and marginalized communities, who often face barriers to accessing services due to structural inequalities such as poverty, gender-based violence, and lack of education. He called for targeted interventions to address these disparities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Choudhury noted that as a middle-income country, Botswana faces growing pressure to sustain its progress with decreasing donor support. “This calls for innovative financing and greater investment from the government, private sector, and international partners to ensure that the gains made are not lost,” he said.

The UN Resident Coordinator commended Botswana’s 2021 decision to decriminalize same-sex relationships, describing it as a historic step in upholding human rights. He said the move exemplified the power of a multi-sectoral approach, with civil society and NGOs working together with the government to advance equality and inclusion.“Ending AIDS requires us to follow a path rooted in human rights,” Choudhury stated, emphasizing that such inclusive approaches are critical for achieving global health goals. This year’s World AIDS Day, held under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, underscored the importance of rights-based approaches in combating HIV/AIDS. As Botswana celebrates its achievements, the nation is called upon to redouble its efforts to address existing challenges, ensuring that progress continues toward eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.