Botswana: Country Background

Located in southern Africa, Botswana is home to approximately 1.7 million people, 300,000 of which are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. 24% of Botswanans over the age of 15 are thought to be HIV-positive. Among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, the prevalence is estimated to be more than 30%.

Despite its comparatively high GDP per capita compared to other nations in sub-Saharan Africa, the large proportion of individuals infected with HIV has had a large economic impact and has created a heavy burden for the healthcare system, support services and ARV rollout.

For more information on HIV/AIDS in Botswana, please see the following resources:

• PEPFAR Country Profile [Botswana]
• WHO Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and STIs [Botswana]
• UNGASS Country Progress Report 2008 [Botswana]
• Ministry of Health, Botswana