Overview of the national response to HIV/AIDS in Botswana.
Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12499)
Khan B Botswana
Botswana has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world today. This presentation reviews the policies and programmes initiated by the government of Botswana and the response made by all stakeholders, providing a hope for the future and a basis by which the efforts in Botswana could be supported through the development of partnerships. The development of the epidemic from the early 1980s is and its impact over the past 10 years is examined at both macro and micro levels. The impacts and the results in key sectors and the household are examined. The role of leadership and a coherent national strategy in the response are examined to emphasise key lessons learnt in facilitating the comprehensive response to the epidemic in Botswana. The challenges for the future are examined with particular reference to Increasing political commitment to address the epidemic, response to the increased prevalence despite current efforts, the role of increased availability of ARVs and the opportunity to integrate NDP9 and Vision 2016 planning processes in the new strategic planning process for the next national plan 2003 - 2008.
Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Prevalence, Disease Outbreaks, HIV Seroprevalence, Anti-HIV Agents, Health Planning, Botswana
