1. For years, Botswana has been a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through dedicated partnerships between government, civil society, and international donors, we have made remarkable progress and exceeded the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. However, the withdrawal of U.S funding places this progress at serious risk. BONELA expresses its deep concern following the recent directive instructing United States Public Health Officials in Botswana to immediately cease working with the World Health Organization (#WHO). This instruction, issued last week by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (#CDC) leaves public health officials in Botswana awaiting further guidance. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump signed several orders, including a suspension of global aid for 90 days and the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization. This move poses a grave threat to Botswana’s fight against HIV/AIDS, potentially undoing years of progress.

2. Most concerning is the Trump administration’s directive to halt the distribution of HIV medications purchased through #USAID, even for those already obtained. This decision affects real people, men, women and children who rely on life saving Antiretroviral therapy (#ART) and essential support services. The suspension of vital HIV medication distribution and the cessation of collaborative work with WHO will severely affect the health and lives of individuals living with HIV in Botswana.
3. Many civil society organizations that have been at the forefront of Botswana’s HIV response now face an uncertain future, with possible job losses and the shutdown of key programs that serve the most vulnerable in our communities. This is a national crisis that demands a unified response from all stakeholders. Civil society, the private sector, development partners and communities must come together to find sustainable solutions.
4. BONELA calls on the Government of Botswana to take urgent and decisive action by working in close partnership with civil society to develop a comprehensive emergency plan that safeguards uninterrupted HIV prevention, treatment and care services. This requires an immediate multi-stakeholder convening, including government, civil society organizations, development partners and key stakeholders to strategize and mobilize alternative funding to offset the shortfall caused by U.S. aid cuts.

5. In the short term, efforts must be directed toward securing emergency financial resources to prevent disruptions in life saving services. Simultaneously, a long term, sustainable funding framework must be established to ensure the resilience and continuity of HIV/AIDS programs, safeguarding public health and protecting the most vulnerable communities. With the country’s HIV/AIDS response at a crossroads, the need for swift action and innovative solutions is more pressing than ever.

For more information, contact BONELA on:
Cindy Kelemi at cindyk@bonela.org or 72385054
Katlego Sechele at ksechele@bonela.org or 72282025