07 Sep 2026

At least six new HIV infections are recorded per day across Botswana, Kanye District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Letlhogela Malebe revealed on Friday.

Mr Malebe made the disclosure in Moshana during the launch of the Month of Prayer, held under the theme; Let There Be Life.

He explained that the figure came from the district’s incidence report, which measured the rate of new infections. 

According to the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey V, approximately 2 200 Batswana become infected each year. Divided by 365 days, this equates to roughly six new infections daily.

Citing the most recent population census, Mr Malebe said Botswana had roughly 2.4 million people, of whom about 329 000 were living with HIV, representing approximately 20 per cent of the population, or two in every 10 people.

The Kanye District mirrors the national picture, he said, with more than 8 000 people living with HIV, which also accounted for about 20 per cent of the district’s population. 

Of these, 8 832 are on antiretroviral treatment, comprising 3 277 men and 5 555 women.

Between April and July this year, the district recorded 617 cases of sexually transmitted infections linked to inconsistent or non-use of condoms.

Regarding teenage pregnancies, Mr Malebe reported 191 cases over the past 12 months. 

Of these, 41 involved school-going learners ranging from primary to senior secondary levels. Only nine of the 191 tested HIV-positive.  He described these figures as evidence of early sexual debut and rising cases of defilement within communities.

On treatment outcomes, he stated that 90 per cent of those on antiretroviral therapy in the district had achieved viral load suppression. However, he noted that adherence remained a challenge, as some patients did not take their medication consistently or on time.

Turning to the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), Mr Malebe expressed concern over late pre-natal bookings by some pregnant women.  “This delay denies infants timely access to preventive treatment and results in vertical transmission.”

He added that some babies still contracted HIV through seroconversion when HIV-positive mothers who should not breastfeed continue to do so.

He also highlighted the growing challenge of an aging HIV epidemic.  “Many long-term patients now face age-related non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, which require additional resources to manage their overall health.”

Mr Malebe urged the nation to prioritise awareness and prevention of non-communicable diseases to avert future health burdens. Officiating at the event, Mohumagadi Mmasetsibi Gaseitsiwe of Bangwaketse said the theme of the event carried both spiritual and practical urgency. 

Life, she said, was not merely about breathing but about living with purpose, dignity, and hope long enough to see dreams fulfilled and children grow.

“Behind every statistic is a person. Behind every loss is a family. Behind every life is a story worth protecting,” she said.

Mohumagadi Gaseitsiwe highlighted Botswana’s progress against HIV, noting that the 2021 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey V showed that 96.1 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 98.3 per cent of those who know their status were on antiretroviral treatment and 97.1 per cent of those on treatment are virally suppressed. 

All of these figures exceed the previous 90-90-90 targets.

She recalled that Botswana became the first country in Africa to achieve and surpass the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. Also, she stated that new HIV infections had fallen by 71 per cent since 2005, while mother-to-child transmission has dropped below 2 per cent. For these achievements, she called on the nation to thank God, honour health workers and recognise partners. 

At the same time, she warned against complacency, stressing that the work was not yet finished.

She emphasised the need to continue preventing new infections, rejecting stigma, supporting those living with HIV, promoting testing and treatment and protecting the next generation.

Linking prayer to practical action, Mohumgadi Gaseitsiwe urged Batswana to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular health checks, and seek early treatment for non-communicable diseases. 

On drug and substance abuse, she called for the protection of young people, stronger families, and support for those seeking recovery.  Regarding road safety, she said prayer must be matched by careful driving, a rejection of recklessness, and a firm refusal to drive under the influence. ends