In early October, Ambassador John Nkengasong, US Global AIDS Coordinator, led the Global Health Security and Diplomacy team to Botswana. They met with development partners, including WHO, and held discussions with government and health partners to:
•    Review PEPFAR’s successes, challenges, and sustainability efforts.
•    Assess development partners’ strategies to close HIV gaps and promote integration.
•    Align PEPFAR’s investment with Botswana’s needs and update stakeholders on its sustainable strategy and COP24 framework.

The visit underscored the importance of strong partnerships and resource mobilization in advancing sustainable health interventions. Development partners continue to collaborate with the government to leverage funding, enhance program integration, and ensure long-term impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

As part of broader efforts to strengthen health systems, Botswana and seven other Southern African countries secured funding from the Pandemic Fund for a three-year project, Strengthening One Health Disease Surveillance and Response in Southern Africa. Starting in January 2025, the US$ 35.8 million grant will support the development of a regional Strategy Against Climate-Driven Disease Outbreaks.

Furthering climate-resilient health initiatives, Botswana submitted a proposal under Takeda’s Global CSR Program 2025 for ¥336.6 million (approx. US$ 2.2 million) to establish a GHG Inventory for the Botswana Health Sector, a key step toward sustainable, low-carbon health systems. Additionally, a multi-country proposal, Mitigating Climatic Effects on Malaria Transmission in Southern Africa, seeks ¥1.5 billion (approx. US$ 10 million) to accelerate malaria elimination efforts across the SADC E8 region.

These strategic partnerships and funding efforts highlight Botswana’s commitment to strengthening health security, addressing climate-related health challenges, and driving sustainable development in the region.