The Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) notes with grave concern the worsening shortage of essential medicines across several districts, including Kgatleng, Kweneng East, Tlokweng, Palapye, and Okavango. Recent reports indicate critical stock-outs of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs); including dual therapy, Taf-ED, TVD, and 3TC, as well as TB continuation phase medication and key #STI treatments such as injectable ceftriaxone and benzathine penicillin.

In some health facilities, #ARV supplies are being rationed, with patients receiving only seven-day refills, while others, such as Letlhakeng Clinic, have completely run out of stock. The unavailability of Truvada has also been reported in Tlokweng and Kgatleng. These shortages have severe implications for treatment adherence, patient health outcomes, and Botswana’s broader HIV and TB response efforts.

BONELA reiterates its earlier call for urgent government intervention to address the systemic issues underlying recurrent stock-outs. Ensuring consistent availability of life-saving medicines is not only a public health priority but also a fundamental human rights obligation. Botswana must act swiftly to restore supply stability, prevent further treatment interruptions, and protect the significant gains made in the fight against HIV, TB, and other infections.

For more information, contact BONELA on:

Cindy Kelemi at cindyk@bonela.org  or 72385054 Katlego Sechele at ksechele@bonela.org  or 72282025