AGP Executive Report

Medical cooperation: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says Chinese medical teams are now “integral” to care at Princess Marina Hospital and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, with 46 specialists in the latest batch supporting specialized services and strengthening bilateral health ties. Public health policy: Botswana’s upcoming public service salary talks for 2026–2027 include a focus on health sector conditions of service, with unions and government agreeing a framework and timelines through the Public Service Bargaining Council. HIV response: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, pushing expanded HIV testing and treatment, stronger financing, human rights protections, and support for local production of medicines and technologies. Health systems & infectious disease partnerships: The US and Tanzania signed a five-year global health Memorandum of Understanding to build hospital and lab capacity and support sustainable control of HIV, malaria, polio and tuberculosis. Health access & medicines: A recent op-ed argues Botswana’s hospital and clinic medicine shortages need better planning and execution, warning that drug and vaccine gaps are undermining care.

HIV/AIDS: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to accelerate efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with fresh targets on HIV testing, treatment and prevention, plus a push to close funding gaps and protect rights. Health systems funding: The U.S. and Tanzania signed a five-year global health Memorandum of Understanding to build a durable network of hospitals, labs and health workers, supporting HIV, malaria, polio and TB while strengthening maternal and child health. Botswana health workforce talks: Botswana’s public service salary negotiations for 2026 and 2027 are set to begin in July, with a framework agreed that includes conditions of service for health workers and other public sector issues. Botswana health access context: Botswana’s global competitiveness dropped in the latest IMD ranking, raising concerns about fiscal stability and infrastructure readiness—factors that can affect health service delivery. Regional health cooperation: The U.S. also signed a three-year health cooperation MOU with South Sudan, including commitments around paying health workers and maintaining vaccine cold-chain systems. Women’s health: A report highlights endometriosis as a major cause of long-term suffering and infertility, driven by delayed diagnosis and stigma, calling for earlier care and better training.

Public Service Salary Talks: Botswana’s public service unions and government have agreed a framework for 2026–2027 salary negotiations, with health sector conditions of service explicitly on the agenda—an important signal for the stability of essential health services. Botswana Competitiveness Drop: Botswana slid in the latest IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, raising fresh concerns about fiscal stability, private sector growth, and infrastructure readiness—key factors that can shape long-term health system funding. VAT on Remote Services: Botswana introduced VAT on electronic and professional services supplied remotely, with a 14% rate and reverse-charge duties for local recipients—part of broader digitisation that can affect how health-related service providers operate. US–Tanzania Health MOU: The US and Tanzania signed a five-year global health Memorandum of Understanding focused on infectious disease control (including HIV, malaria, polio and TB), plus maternal and child health—relevant for regional lessons on strengthening labs, hospitals and workforce capacity. UN HIV/AIDS Declaration: Member states adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with targets on testing, treatment, prevention, rights, and sustainable access to medicines. Environmental Rights Case Studies: ERA launched 20-country environmental rights case studies to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice—important for health impacts linked to environmental harm.

Botswana health workforce talks: Botswana’s public service salary negotiations for 2026 and 2027 are set to begin in July, with a framework agreed by government and unions including the Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), raising hopes for clearer conditions of service for health staff. HIV/AIDS push: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, focusing on wider HIV testing and treatment, prevention, human rights, and protecting access to medicines—an agenda that will shape regional health planning. US health partnerships: The US and Tanzania signed a five-year global health Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen infectious-disease response through co-investment in hospitals, labs, and health workers, including support for HIV, malaria, polio and tuberculosis. Botswana competitiveness and health funding pressure: Botswana dropped in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, with concerns about fiscal stability and infrastructure readiness—an indirect risk factor for sustained health service delivery. Water safety data: A global mapping report highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring ongoing public health risks from unsafe water access.

HIV Response: The UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, pushing for wider HIV testing, treatment and prevention, stronger funding, human rights protections, and more reliable access to medicines and health technologies. Public Health Policy: A US–South Sudan health cooperation deal signed under the “America First Global Health Strategy” targets infectious disease prevention, with over $146m from the US and nearly $20m from South Sudan to support clinical care, vaccine cold-chain systems, and health worker salaries. Health Equity & Care Access: A report on endometriosis highlights long delays to diagnosis and care, with women often mislabelled as having other conditions and facing stigma—underscoring the need for earlier diagnosis and better training and equipment. Water & Health Risks: A global data map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, noting that over 2 billion people lack safe water at home—fueling major health risks. Botswana Health Context: Botswana’s public service salary talks are set to begin in July, with health sector conditions of service expected to be part of negotiations, affecting staffing and service delivery.

Public Sector Pay Talks: Botswana’s public service salary negotiations for 2026 and 2027 are set to start in July, with a framework agreed between government and unions including the Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), putting conditions of service for the health sector on the table. HIV Response Milestone: Botswana has been listed among the world’s 20 worst-hit countries for HIV, underscoring the urgency for stronger testing, treatment access, and sustained funding. Health Policy at the Global Level: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with targets on HIV testing, treatment and prevention, plus support for community-led delivery and access to medicines. Allergy Care Push: A pan-African alliance (AFRICALLI) is marking World Allergy Week to argue allergies and immunologic diseases should be treated as essential healthcare, not a side issue—highlighting gaps in training and medicines. Water Safety Data: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with billions lacking reliable clean water—an ongoing driver of preventable illness. Regional Health Funding: The US and South Sudan signed a three-year health cooperation deal under the America First Global Health Strategy, including support for infectious disease prevention and health system capacity.

Global HIV Push: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with targets to expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention, close funding gaps, protect human rights, and support local access to medicines and technologies. Botswana Health Workforce & Services: Botswana’s public service salary talks for 2026 and 2027 are set to start in July, with a framework agreed between government and admitted unions including the Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), putting conditions of service for health workers on the agenda. Water Security: A new global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, showing that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack safe water at home. Allergy Care in Africa: World Allergy Week 2026 spotlights how asthma and other allergic and immunologic diseases remain under-recognised in many African health systems, calling for better training, medicines access, and specialist care. Climate & Health Risk: Reporting on El Niño formation warns of heavier-than-normal rainfall risks across East Africa, driven by warming Pacific seas and ocean dipole patterns. Local Health Milestone: St. George’s University will host a special ceremony in Gaborone recognizing over 130 Botswana physicians trained there and their roles across the health system.

HIV Response: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, pushing stronger HIV testing, treatment and prevention, closing funding gaps, protecting human rights, and supporting local production of medicines and technologies. Botswana Health Workforce: Public service salary talks for 2026–2027 are set to begin in July, with a framework agreed by government and admitted unions, including the Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), putting conditions of service for health staff on the agenda. Allergy Care in Africa: World Allergy Week 2026 spotlights how asthma, eczema, food and drug allergies, and immune disorders remain under-recognised across Africa, calling for allergy and immunology to be treated as essential healthcare. Water Safety: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with billions lacking reliable, contamination-free access—an ongoing public health risk. Endometriosis Awareness: A report on Nigeria’s endometriosis crisis highlights long delays in diagnosis and mislabeling as “normal cramps” or fibroids, urging earlier recognition and better care pathways.

HIV Update (Botswana): Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder of the scale of the epidemic even as Botswana continues to make progress. Medical Access (Botswana): A Penn research team won a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to help clinicians spot lung disease earlier and reduce delays caused by limited CT/MRI availability outside major towns. Allergy Care (Africa): AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week 2026, urging African health systems to treat allergies and immunologic conditions as essential care, not a fringe issue—citing avoidable hospital admissions and preventable severe outcomes. Water & Health (Global): A new map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that more than 2 billion people lack safely managed services—fueling ongoing health risks from contamination and unreliable access. Electricity & Health (Africa): A World Bank/ADB initiative, Mission 300, says 50 million people across 40 countries have gained electricity access, supporting broader health and wellbeing gains tied to reliable power.

HIV Update for Botswana: Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 people living with the virus and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic. Medical Imaging Access: Penn researchers received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to spot lung disease earlier and ease workflow burdens in overstretched facilities. Health Supplies Boost: The US Embassy has handed Botswana medical commodities worth P13.5 million (about US$1 million) to ease acute shortages and strengthen public health emergency response. Allergy Care Push: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week 2026, warning that allergies and immunologic diseases are a growing, under-recognised burden across Africa and should be treated as essential health care. Correctional Health & Monitoring: South Africa’s correctional system is overcrowded, with calls for tougher monitoring of parolees and probationers—an issue that can spill into health service continuity and safety.

HIV Update (Botswana): Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by the absolute number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 people affected and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic and needs sustained prevention, testing, and treatment support. Medicine Supply (Southern Africa): Botswana’s wider region is seeing pressure on public health facilities as governments and pharma suppliers try to stabilise essential medicine availability, including requests for 30-day supply commitments and moves to streamline procurement to reduce shortages and out-of-pocket costs. Medical Imaging Access (Botswana): A new $110,000 Google-funded project aims to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana by using AI to help identify lung disease earlier and support overburdened clinicians where CT and MRI services are limited. Allergy Care (Pan-Africa): World Allergy Week 2026 spotlights allergic and immunologic diseases as a growing, under-recognised burden across Africa, calling for allergy care to be treated as essential healthcare—not a fringe issue. Health Workforce (Botswana): St. George’s University is set to host a Gaborone ceremony recognising 130+ Botswana physicians trained there, reinforcing local capacity in the Ministry of Health and private practice.

HIV in Focus: Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence around 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic. Medical Access Boost: A Google-funded project led by Penn researchers aims to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana by using MedGemma to help identify lung disease earlier and ease hospital workflow burdens. Medicine Supply Pressure: Botswana’s region-wide medicine concerns echo as governments push for faster, clearer supply commitments and streamlined procurement to tackle shortages and pricing disputes. Public Health Support: The US Embassy has handed Botswana medical commodities worth P13.5 million to ease acute shortages and strengthen emergency health response capacity. Regional Health Talent: St. George’s University will host a special ceremony in Gaborone recognising 130+ Botswana physicians trained there and their roles across the health system. Allergy Care Push: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week 2026, urging Botswana and the region to treat allergies and immunologic diseases as essential care, not a fringe issue.

HIV Burden Update: Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by absolute number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder that progress is still incomplete. Medical Supply Support: The US Embassy handed Botswana medical commodities worth P13.5 million to ease acute shortages of essential health supplies and strengthen public health emergency response. Imaging Access Boost: Penn researchers received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to spot lung disease earlier and ease workflow pressures in overstretched facilities. Medicine Availability Pressure: Government and pharmaceutical suppliers are trying to stabilise medicine availability after months of tensions over pricing and procurement, with a push for 30-day supply commitments for essential medicines. Correctional Health & Monitoring: South Africa’s parole and probation monitoring is under scrutiny, with a prisoner transfer agreement involving Botswana highlighted amid overcrowding concerns. Allergy Care Push: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week 2026, urging African health systems to treat allergies and immunologic diseases as essential care, not a fringe issue. Sports Integrity (Health Angle): A Mexican sprinter received a three-year ban after a positive test for an anabolic steroid at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone. Regional Health Workforce Recognition: St. George’s University will host a special ceremony in Gaborone recognising over 130 Botswana physicians trained there and their roles across the health system.

HIV Update for Botswana: Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by absolute number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic. Medical Imaging Access: A Penn team received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to essential medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to help clinicians spot lung disease earlier and reduce delays in underserved areas. Medicine Shortages Pressure: Botswana’s public health system continues to face medicine availability problems, with reports describing empty shelves at clinics and growing public frustration over procurement and supply gaps. Allergy Care Push: Across Africa, World Allergy Week coverage highlights that asthma, rhinitis, eczema, food and drug allergies, and anaphylaxis are still under-recognised in health planning—calling for allergies to be treated as essential care. US Support for Supplies: The US Embassy has donated medical commodities worth P13.5 million to help ease acute shortages of essential health supplies and strengthen Botswana’s emergency response.

HIV Update: Botswana has officially entered the world’s top 20 countries by absolute number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 people and adult prevalence near 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic. Medicine Supply: The US Embassy handed over medical commodities worth P13.5 million to ease acute shortages of essential health supplies and strengthen Botswana’s public health emergency response. Imaging Access: A Penn research team received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to support earlier lung disease detection and better clinical workflows. Medicine Pricing Tensions: Government and pharmaceutical suppliers moved to ease strained relations over medicine pricing and procurement, with plans to seek 30-day supply commitments for essential medicines and consider a Government Procurement Organisation framework. Sports Health & Integrity: Botswana hosted the World Athletics Relays where a Mexican sprinter received a three-year ban after a positive test for Oxandrolone, leading to disqualification of her relay team results. Regional Health Policy: Civil society and journalists were urged to intensify investigative reporting on how multinational corporations influence health tax policies meant to curb non-communicable diseases.

HIV Update: Botswana has officially joined the world’s top 20 countries by number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence around 20%—a stark reminder that progress is real but the epidemic remains hyper-endemic. Health Tech Access: A Penn research team received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to spot lung disease earlier and ease burdens on overstretched hospitals. Medicine Supply Pressure: Botswana’s medicine shortage remains a major public health concern, with government and suppliers moving to stabilise stock and consider a 30-day supply commitment approach to reduce empty shelves and out-of-pocket costs. Regional Health Support: The US Embassy handed over P13.5 million in medical commodities to Botswana to ease acute shortages and strengthen emergency health response capacity. Correctional Health & Care: South Africa’s parole and probation monitoring is under scrutiny, with thousands unaccounted for—an issue that can spill into health and continuity of care for vulnerable people. Animal Health (FMD): Botswana’s Vaccine Institute says foot-and-mouth disease vaccines are available and production is being ramped up, protecting livestock health and safeguarding food security. Sports Integrity: A Mexican sprinter received a three-year ban after testing positive for oxandrolone at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, with results disqualified.