His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi says the many years of fight againstHIV/AIDS, which is anchored on behavioral change, testing, enrolment in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), as well as psychosocial support, is starting to bear fruit.

During his State of The Nations Address (SONA) President Masisi revealed that incidence rate for2013 was 1.33 percent and has since decreased to 0.2 percent in 2021, showing that the rate of new infections is decreasing. He revealed that the HIV prevalence in 2013 was 18.5 percent and in 2021 it had increased to 20.8 percent, showing the efficacy of Botswana’s treatment programme.

“We should jealously guard this positive progress and encourage sustained adherence to treatment inorder to contain and reduce the spread of the virus.147. I am happy to announce that, Botswana has exceeded the World Health Organisation 95-95-95 target. This shows that95.1 percent of the adult population living with HIV know their status, and that, 98 percent are on treatment, while 97.9percent of those who are on treatment, are virally suppressed,” commended Masisi.

According to His Excellency the President, Botswana has also been effective in reducing Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and have reduced direct transmission from mother to child to 2.21 percent, surpassing the 5 percent global target. “In recognition of our achievement, the World Health Organisation awarded Botswana the Silver Tier Certificate.”

Dr Masisi further noted that Botswana was on 20th September 2022,recognised and bestowed with a “National Achievement Award” by the Africa-America Institute (AAI), for effectively51containing and managing the spread of HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, among other accomplishments. The President however worried that despite the commendable achievements, there was a concern that fewer men compared to women are testing for HIV/AIDS.

“I, therefore, want to encourage all to proactively test forHIV/AIDS and adhere to treatment,” implored Masisi.