BOTSWANA

Botswana has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 2008 estimates placing the HIV prevalence rate among adults at 23.9 percent. In real numbers that translates to some 300,000 people under the age of 49 living with HIV.

The virus has had a dramatic impact on Botswana’s healthcare system — including approximately 17 percent of the country’s healthcare workers lost to AIDS between 1999 and 2005.

With support from PEPFAR and the United States Government team in country, AIHA currently manages five partnerships in Botswana, as well as a Volunteer Healthcare Corps program. AIHA also manages a Russian mentor and technical assistance initiative in Botswana that is supported by USAID/Russia.

Current AIHA Twinning Center Partnerships in Country

Media Institute of Southern Africa - Gaborone / Zambia Institute of Mass Communication

(2007 - Present)

This south-south partnership is working to improve the quality and scope of HIV/AIDS-related information available through the mass media by providing targeted training to journalists and editors in Botswana.

Marang Childcare Network / The Children's Place Association

(2008 - Present)

With the goal of improving community-based support services available to orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana, this partnership focuses on building the institutional capacity of Marang and its constituent organizations that provide OVC care.

Botswana Institute of Health Sciences / African Palliative Care Association

(2007 - Present)

This south-south partnership is strengthening the Institute's capacity to provide pre- and in-service training on palliative care and helping integrate palliative care concepts into existing pharmacy technology, health education, and dental therapy programs.

Tebelepole VCT / Liverpool VCT

(2007 - Present)

This south-south partnership is strengthening Tebelepole's institutional capacity with the goal of improving voluntary counseling and testing services, prevention and outreach programs, and quality assurance capabilities.

Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Program / The Foundation for Professional Development

(2007 - Present)

Similar to the Tebelepole/Liverpool VCT alliance, this south-south partnership is working to improve access to high quality HIV prevention, counseling, and testing services by building institutional and human resource capacity.

(statistical resource: CIA World Factbook, June 2011)

Updated January 12, 2012