AGP Executive Report

HIV Care Milestone: UNAIDS highlights that Botswana is among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets—95% knowing status, 95% on treatment, and 95% with undetectable viral load—pointing to strong leadership and community partnerships as the driver of sustained progress. Frontline Health Training: A World Bank-supported regional programme is training health workers across Eastern and Southern Africa to strengthen chronic disease (NCD) surveillance alongside infectious disease response, using a “train-the-trainers” model that includes Botswana. Health, Water & Services Pressure: Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) reports a P554.6m loss, with shrinking cash reserves and rising liabilities, while trying to protect water security and improve collections—an issue that directly affects public health and sanitation. Nutrition & Resilience for Farmers: Botswana’s safflower push is gaining momentum as a drought-tolerant crop with edible oil and wider industrial uses, aiming to improve food security and incomes for small-scale farmers. Medical Cannabis Plans: Botswana says it is moving toward legalising cannabis for medical use, manufacturing and exports, citing successful local trials and potential jobs and investment—watch this space for health and regulation impacts.

HIV care milestone: UNAIDS highlights that Botswana is among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 targets—95% knowing status, 95% on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment with undetectable viral load—pointing to strong leadership and community partnerships as the driver of sustainable progress. Frontline NCD surveillance training: A World Bank-funded regional programme in Dar es Salaam trained 37 health professionals from nine countries, including Botswana, to strengthen mentors for frontline epidemiology and to fold non-communicable disease monitoring into existing outbreak-focused field training. Water services pressure: Botswana’s Water Utilities Corporation reports a P554.6m net loss for the year to March 31, 2024, with revenue down, cash reserves shrinking, and rising liabilities—while management pushes improved collections and cost control. Medical cannabis push: Botswana’s President says government is ready to legalise cannabis for medical use, manufacturing and exports, citing successful trials and potential jobs and investment as the country diversifies beyond diamonds. Active ageing in Gaborone: Organisers announce the Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk on Sept 5, encouraging adults 40+ to move more and use preventive healthcare, with registration now open.

SADC Security Talks: SADC’s Ordinary Organ Troika Heads of State and Government summit opened in Durban ahead of the 46th SADC Summit, with leaders pushing peace, democratic governance and regional security cooperation. HIV Control Lessons for Botswana: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV achievement—95% know status, 95% on treatment, 95% with undetectable viral load—pointing to strong leadership and community partnerships; UNAIDS notes Botswana is among the countries that have reached the targets. Frontline NCD Surveillance Training: A World Bank-backed regional programme in Dar es Salaam trained health professionals to strengthen mentors for frontline epidemiology, integrating non-communicable disease surveillance into existing field training across countries including Botswana. Water Crisis Pressure: Botswana’s Water Utilities Corporation reported a major P554.6m loss for FY ended March 31, 2024, with revenue down, cash reserves shrinking and debt rising—raising pressure on water and sanitation service delivery. Migration & Health Access: Botswana’s government links rising outward migration—especially to Europe—to unemployment, economic strain and better healthcare abroad, warning of trafficking and exploitative recruitment risks. Wellness for 40+: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) is opening registration for 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes, aiming to boost preventive care and active ageing. Medical Cannabis Plan: Botswana says it is moving toward legalising cannabis for medical use, manufacturing and exports, citing agricultural trials and potential jobs and investment beyond diamonds.

HIV care milestone: UNAIDS reports that Botswana has reached the 95-95-95 targets—knowing status, on treatment, and achieving undetectable viral load—highlighting how community and health-system partnerships can cut transmission and keep people healthy. NCD surveillance training: A World Bank-backed regional programme in Eastern and Southern Africa is training health workers to spot chronic disease warning signs earlier, integrating non-communicable disease monitoring into frontline field epidemiology. Workforce pressure on regulators: Nurses and midwives have petitioned Cabinet to reject steep Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana fee increases, warning higher costs could push professionals out of practice and worsen shortages. Water and health risk: Water Utilities Corporation reports a large net loss and shrinking cash reserves, raising concerns for water security and service reliability that directly affect public health. Outward migration and health access: Government notes rising outward migration—especially to Europe—linked to unemployment and better healthcare abroad, raising worries about brain drain and continuity of care. Beyond 40 wellness push: Gaborone’s “Beyond 40: Stride by Stride” walk is opening registration to promote active ageing, preventive health, and community support for adults 40+.

HIV progress in focus: UNAIDS highlights how Botswana and other countries reached the 95-95-95 targets, stressing that knowing status, staying on treatment, and achieving undetectable viral load cuts transmission risk and keeps people healthy. Migration and health strain: Botswana’s government warns that rising outward migration is linked to economic pressure and unemployment, with police cautioning job seekers about trafficking, labour exploitation, and deceptive overseas recruitment—especially toward Europe and for better healthcare. Nursing workforce under pressure: Nurses and midwives petition Cabinet against proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana fee increases, saying higher costs could push professionals out of practice and worsen staffing shortages. Public health mortality spotlight: Botswana reports nearly 41,000 deaths over five years from its Births and Deaths Registration System, raising questions about drivers of mortality and the state of healthcare. Cannabis policy shift: Botswana signals plans to legalize cannabis for medical use, manufacturing, and exports, aiming to create jobs and reduce reliance on diamonds. Wellness push: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk opens registration, targeting adults 40+ with preventive health and active ageing.

HIV Progress: UNAIDS highlights Botswana among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets—knowing status, staying on treatment, and achieving undetectable viral load—pointing to community and health-system partnerships as the key to sustained gains. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives have petitioned Botswana’s Cabinet to reject proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning higher subscription, licensing and penalty charges could push professionals out of practice. Public Health Data Watch: Botswana has reported nearly 41,000 deaths over five years through its Births and Deaths Registration System, raising questions about drivers of mortality and the state of healthcare challenges. Health Readiness & Training: North Carolina National Guard and the Botswana Defence Force engaged students at Gaborone Technical College on personal health, informed decision-making and readiness, linking wellbeing to education and long-term goals. Water & Health Services: Water Utilities Corporation is facing a major financial squeeze, with a large loss, shrinking cash reserves and rising customer debt—an issue that can ripple into water and sanitation service reliability. Migration Risks: Government notes rising outward migration, especially to Europe, and warns job seekers may face trafficking, labour exploitation and deceptive recruitment—health and wellbeing risks for vulnerable travellers.

HIV Progress in Focus: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV milestone and notes Botswana among the countries already reaching the targets, stressing that community and health-system partnerships drive sustained results. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives petition Cabinet to reject steep Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning higher costs could push professionals out of practice and worsen shortages. Migration and Health Access: Botswana’s government links rising outward migration—especially to Europe—to unemployment, economic strain, and the pull of better healthcare abroad, while police warn job seekers face trafficking and exploitation risks. Public Health Data Spotlight: Botswana reports nearly 41,000 deaths over five years, raising questions about underlying causes and the state of healthcare capacity. Wellness for Adults 40+: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) opens registration and seeks sponsors, aiming to boost active living and preventive care. Medical Cannabis Plan: Botswana signals moves to legalize cannabis for medical use and exports, citing trials showing suitability for local cultivation and potential jobs and investment.

HIV progress in the region: UNAIDS highlights the 95-95-95 push, noting Botswana among the countries that have reached the targets, where undetectable viral load means “undetectable equals untransmittable,” keeping people healthier and preventing transmission. Nursing workforce under pressure: Nurses and midwives petition Cabinet to reject proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee hikes, warning the jump from P50 to P850 could deepen shortages and push professionals out of legal practice. Botswana mortality data raises alarms: Parliament heard that nearly 41,000 deaths were registered over five years, but officials could not provide leading causes of death—prompting fresh questions about what is driving mortality and how health data is used. Migration and health access strain: Government links rising outward migration—especially to Europe—to unemployment, economic pressure, and better healthcare abroad, while police warn job seekers face trafficking and exploitation risks. Beyond 40 wellness push: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) is opening registration and seeking more sponsors to encourage preventive health and active ageing for adults 40+. Regional health security: Namibia calls for stronger cross-border cooperation to prepare for outbreaks like monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fevers, stressing diseases spread with people and trade.

Public Health Pressure: Botswana’s parliament heard that nearly 41,000 deaths were recorded over five years, with shifting death rates and ages at death raising fresh questions about underlying health and social drivers. Workforce & Regulation: Nurses and midwives have petitioned Cabinet to reject steep NMCB fee increases (from P50 to P850), warning the costs could push professionals out of registration and worsen staffing shortages. Wellness in the Community: Gaborone’s Beyond 40 wellness walk is gearing up for September 5, with registration open and early corporate support aimed at getting adults 40+ moving and using preventive healthcare. Infectious Disease Readiness: Namibia’s health ministry called for stronger cross-border cooperation for monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fever preparedness, stressing that diseases spread with people and trade. Safety & Health Access for Youth: A South African under-18 softball player in Botswana says injury care and mental health support are limited outside tournaments, highlighting gaps in sports healthcare funding. Health Risks from Climate: Botswana is among countries bracing for a possible super El Niño, with warnings of hotter temperatures, water stress, wildfire risk, and impacts on wildlife.

Public Health Data: Botswana reported nearly 41,000 deaths in five years, with figures shared in Parliament from the Births and Deaths Registration System, raising fresh questions about what’s driving mortality trends and how prepared the health system is. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives petitioned Cabinet to reject proposed NMCB fee increases (from P50 to P850), warning higher costs could push professionals out of registration and worsen staffing shortages. Wellness & Active Ageing: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) is gaining momentum with sponsors like CEDA, aiming to get adults 40+ moving through 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes and preventive health messaging. Regional Disease Readiness: Namibia’s health ministry called for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to outbreaks, stressing that infections spread with people and trade. Health in the Field: A South African under-18 softball player highlighted gaps in medical and mental health support for athletes outside tournaments, alongside the costs of travel and care. Trade & Health Link: India and SACU signed terms of reference to negotiate a preferential trade deal, with sanitary and phytosanitary measures included—relevant for how food and health-related goods move across borders.

Nursing Workforce Under Pressure: Nurses, midwives and supporters have petitioned Botswana’s Cabinet to reject steep Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning that rising subscription, licensing and penalty charges (from P50 to P850 per year) could push professionals out of practice and worsen staffing shortages. Cross-Border Disease Readiness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is calling for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, stressing that travel and trade can spread illnesses fast and that preparedness must cover threats like Ebola, Marburg and yellow fever. Sports Health Gaps: A South African under-18 softball player preparing to compete in Gaborone says injury care and mental health support are limited outside tournaments, raising concerns about how young athletes manage injuries with little ongoing medical follow-up. Wellness for Active Ageing: Botswana’s Beyond 40 wellness walk is set for September 5 in Gaborone, encouraging adults 40+ to stay active and use preventive healthcare, with route options from 2.5km to 10km. Regional Trade With Health Links: India and SACU (including Botswana) signed terms of reference to negotiate a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to cover goods like pharmaceuticals and sanitary and phytosanitary measures—important for future access to medicines and health-related trade rules.

Cross-Border Disease Preparedness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services called for stronger cross-border cooperation to stop infectious disease outbreaks, warning that travel and trade can spread monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fevers fast and that surveillance at points of entry must be improved. Youth Sports Health Gap: A South African under-18 softball player heading to a tournament in Gaborone said medical and mental health support is limited outside competitions, with athletes often only seeing a physiotherapist during tournaments. Botswana Health Access for Returnees: Namibia’s Ovambanderu chief urged faster integration of families repatriated from Botswana, saying children are still learning under tents and the temporary settlement lacks nearby health facilities. HIV Prevention Alarm: Botswana reports early sexual activity among young people, with testimony highlighting high new HIV infections among ages 15–24 and a heavy burden on girls, pointing to urgent need for targeted prevention and support. Livestock Disease & Financing: Botswana’s new planned commodities exchange aims to help livestock businesses access liquidity during Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions using warehouse receipt systems, while feedlot operators challenge government restrictions in court. Trade That Touches Health: Botswana and Nigeria discussed a trade gateway under AfCFTA, including opportunities in pharmaceuticals and logistics that could affect access to medicines across the region.

HIV Prevention Focus: NAHPA warns Botswana’s youth HIV burden is worsening, with 1,077 new infections among ages 15–24 in 2025 and 839 in females, pointing to intergenerational sexual relationships as a likely driver and urging targeted action for adolescent girls and young women. Wellness for Active Ageing: CEDA backs the “Beyond 40” wellness walk in Gaborone on 5 September, encouraging adults 40+ to build healthier habits, preventive care and active ageing through 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes. HIV & Health Access at Risk: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees repatriated from Botswana are still living in a temporary settlement under tents with limited services, including a lack of a nearby health clinic—prompting calls for faster full integration. Food Security & Nutrition Angle: Botswana’s livestock sector shows momentum at the Aminuis Agricultural Show, with live cattle and sheep exports rising sharply in the first half of 2026, supporting household nutrition and livelihoods. Health System Safety Incident: A senior Botswana Defence Force officer was reportedly attacked and rushed from the Mogoditshane BDF Clinic to Bokamoso Private Hospital, where he remains in critical condition as police investigate. Trade & Health Supply Chains: Botswana and Nigeria move to strengthen regional trade under SADC, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals—potentially supporting access to medicines across the region.

HIV Prevention Under Strain: Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are disrupted due to procurement failures, and NAHPHA warns the shortage could raise the risk of new HIV infections—condoms remain a key pillar of prevention. Youth HIV Risk: NAHPHA also told the Public Accounts Committee that young people are still acquiring HIV at alarming rates, with adolescent girls and young women making up most infections; officials flagged intergenerational relationships as a possible driver. Wellness Push for Adults 40+: CEDA is backing the “Beyond 40” wellness walk in Gaborone on September 5, encouraging regular activity, preventive healthcare and active ageing with 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes. Livestock Health and Trade Pressure: Botswana’s FMD fallout continues to hit livelihoods and markets, including legal action by beef feedlot operators against veterinary restrictions, and export quota losses linked to disease-related limits. Regional Health Access Concern: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees from Botswana face gaps in nearby health services and clinic access, with leaders urging faster full integration. Community Integration & Services: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met Ovambanderu leaders to discuss reintegration needs for repatriated families, including education and health facility access. Pension Resilience: Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund reported 10% asset growth to P128.3 billion despite diamond downturn pressures.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure: NAHPA warns Botswana’s HIV fight is at risk after a public-sector condom shortage disrupted supplies, and new data shows young people are starting sex as early as 13—fueling infections that hit adolescent girls and young women hardest. Youth HIV Focus: At the Public Accounts Committee, NAHPA linked the pattern of 1,077 new HIV infections among ages 15–24 in 2025 (839 among females) to intergenerational relationships, calling for targeted action. FMD Fallout for Health and Food Security: Botswana’s FMD crisis is spilling into livelihoods and nutrition systems, with feedlot operators suing government over disease control restrictions, while Namibia gains from quota shifts tied to Botswana’s export limits. Livestock Financing Plan: Botswana Stock Exchange says the planned Botswana Mercantile Exchange could help livestock businesses access liquidity during outbreaks using warehouse receipt collateral. Regional Trade for Access: SADC is pushing a simplified trade regime to cut border costs for small traders—important for keeping food and health supplies moving. Community Integration Needs: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees from Botswana face gaps in clinics and schooling, highlighting how health access and child protection must be built into reintegration plans. Women’s Health Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej received recognition for advancing women’s empowerment and equitable healthcare access across Africa.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure: NAHPA says children can start sex as early as 13, and PAC testimony links new HIV infections among 15–24-year-olds to intergenerational relationships—especially affecting young women (839 of 1,077 new infections in 2025). Condom Shortage Risk: NAHPA also warns procurement failures have disrupted public-sector condom supplies, threatening Botswana’s HIV prevention “pillars” at clinics. FMD Fallout Hits Livelihoods: Two major beef feedlot operators (J S Beef and Primefast) have sued Government over FMD-related veterinary restrictions, arguing the rules are financially crushing and could collapse businesses. Livestock Finance Fix: Botswana Stock Exchange says the planned Botswana Mercantile Exchange could help farmers and feedlots survive future FMD crises via warehouse receipt financing. Regional Trade for Health Access: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to cut border costs and barriers for small traders, including Botswana—potentially improving access to essential services. Youth Health Through Sport: Gaborone is preparing for the 2026 Independence Kids Run, promoting active living and healthy lifestyles for children.