Botswana’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a critical shortage of infant formula, forcing authorities to restrict distribution as efforts continue to secure new supplies.
In a savingram dated January 14, 2026, Dr Bobby Kgosiemang on behalf of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, warned that stock levels of infant formula under the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme have reached critically low levels nationwide.
The PMTCT programme provides infant formula as part of its infant feeding strategy for HIV-exposed babies whose mothers opt for formula feeding instead of breastfeeding. However, the ministry said the current shortage has made it impossible to maintain normal distribution levels.
“As efforts continue to secure more infant formula, districts are urged to prioritise the distribution,” reads the savingram addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. The ministry has directed that infant formula should now be issued only to children from birth to six months who are exclusively formula-fed.
The situation is compounded by the complete depletion of stock at the Francistown warehouse. Health authorities have instructed that all orders must now be submitted to, and collected from, the Gaborone warehouse until further notice.
The situation is compounded by the complete depletion of stock at the Francistown warehouse. Health authorities have instructed that all orders must now be submitted to, and collected from, the Gaborone warehouse until further notice.
“Kindly note that the Francistown warehouse is completely out of stock,” the savingram states, highlighting logistical pressures on health facilities, particularly in northern districts that rely on Francistown for medical supplies.
The Ministry of Health said it will issue further communication once a new consignment of infant formula is received. In the meantime, health workers have been urged to strictly adhere to the revised distribution guidelines to ensure the most vulnerable infants continue to receive support.
The shortage is likely to raise concern among caregivers of HIV-exposed infants, given the importance of consistent and safe infant feeding in preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring infant health.
For further information, the ministry advised that districts may contact designated officials within the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care.
Botswana’s public health system has in the past faced intermittent shortages of critical supplies, often attributed to procurement delays and global supply chain disruptions.
