02 Mar 2020

Government has decided to extend free HIV treatment to foreign residents in a major policy shift that closes a significant gap in the country’s response to the epidemic.

This was said by Botswana National Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) coordinator, Mr Conrad Ntsuape at the opening of a Mmashoro circumcision site last Friday.

Mr Ntsuape said the intended policy shift was announced recently by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi after the issue was raised by Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation in Africa during their visit to the country.

Less than a quarter of foreigners living with HIV in Botswana currently had access to treatment, he pointed out adding that many could not afford medicines or returned home to seek medical help.

Mr Ntsuape said Botswana had the highest HIV prevalence in the world, with more than one in five of the adult population aged 15–49 years living with the virus.

He noted that in 2016, the country decided to adopt a Treat All strategy by extending free treatment to all citizens living with HIV, a step that was yielding significant results.

“I commend Botswana for extending free treatment to foreign residents living with HIV,” he said.    

Mr Ntsuape said the measure would save lives and help the country progress towards ending the epidemic.

He described the measure as  another example of Botswana leadership’s determination to leave no one behind in the response to HIV/AIDS.

In developing the new policy, he explained, the Ministry of Health and Wellness consulted closely with UNAIDS, United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, International Organisation for Migration, other UN agencies and development partners.

He said the ministry would issue a special directive to health facilities to provide treatment to all people living with HIV in the country.

He encouraged men and young boys to come forward for circumcision now that the service was available in Mmashoro.

Mr Ntsuape appealed to church and local community leaders to work jointly to encourage men to access the service. ENDS