03 Apr 2017

Former president of the United States of America Mr George W. Bush and Ms Laura Bush, are scheduled to visit Botswana from April today until tomorrow.

A news release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation states that this is the second time that Mr and Ms Bush are visiting Botswana following their State Visit to Botswana in July 2003.

The release states that the visit underscores their commitment to the support that they continue to provide to the people of Botswana through the work of the George W. Bush Institute's (GWBI) global leadership programmes such as the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative.

“The Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon is a global partnership that builds upon the HIV/AIDS platform to combat cervical and breast cancer. Since 2012, GWBI has been working in partnership with the Government of Botswana, and so far more than 22 000 women have benefitted from screenings for cervical cancer and more than 70 000 girls have received vaccinations against the human papilloma virus (HPV),” states the release.

Former President Bush and Ms Bush will also assess progress made over the past two decades to address the challenges of poverty, security and health, as well as the critical role that US foreign assistance has played in delivering lifesaving treatment for the HIV/AIDS pandemic through PEPFAR.

Whilst in Botswana, the former president Bush and Ms Bush will visit Tlokweng Clinic and Therisanyo Primary School to appreciate the efforts and challenges in the screening and treatment services for cervical cancer and the country's vaccination programme.

They will also have audience with President of Botswana to discuss issues of mutual interest. ENDS