Botswana has reached a significant milestone in its national health efforts, and proudly announces its achievement of the gold tier certification for the path to elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV. This prestigious recognition was announced by the World Health organization (WHO) last Friday, acknowledging Botswana’s unwavering commitment and remarkable progress in ensuring that babies are born free of HIV.
This achievement is also significant because Botswana was the first HIV high burden country to receive the silver tier award in 2021 for the Path to Elimination of the Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. After receiving the Silver Tier Award, the country adopted the Global Triple Elimination Initiative for the elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B.
For Botswana to receive this award, the country had successfully implemented comprehensive programs focusing on: Early identification of HIV in pregnant women, Provision of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) with prompt initiation and consistent adherence to ART for pregnant women living with HIV, Safe delivery practices with healthcare professionals across the country having been trained and equipped to implement safe delivery practices that further minimize the risk of HIV transmission, Monitoring of HIV negative women to minimise seroconversion during the Postnatal and Breastfeeding period, including PrEP initiation and partner management. Furthermore, there has been community engagement and awareness campaigns about eMTCT, reduction of stigma associated with HIV, and promotion of access to services. There has also been initiatives to promote human rights among Women Living with HIV and reducing Gender Based Violence. There has also free ART access for non-citizens since 2019.
In 2021, when Botswana received the Silver Tier Award, the country was also one of the first three countries in the world to reach and exceed the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets for 95% of People Living With HIV to be knowing their status, with 95% of those who know their status to be receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of those receiving ART to have achieved viral suppression.
Speaking today in Geneva, Switzerland, on the occasion of receiving this award, Minister of Health Hon. Dr Stephen Modise hailed this as a major milestone that demonstrates Botswana’s resolve in ending HIV: “This achievement is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the people of Botswana, our healthcare workers, and our partners….indeed we are on course to achieve an HIV free generation,” said Dr Modise.
Botswana’s achievement serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations striving to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
