Global Health
Through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, USAID is bringing together prevention, care, and treatment services to work toward an AIDS-free future.
One hallmark of our assistance is direct community engagement. Although the HIV epidemic is a national problem, it does not affect everyone equally. Recognizing this, many of USAID’s programs provide specialized assistance to particular groups within Botswana. We work to improve HIV prevention services for those with the highest risk of infection. We provide counseling to those infected with HIV and help them start and maintain their medication schedules. USAID also supports those who may not be infected with HIV, but who suffer from its effects, such as orphans and vulnerable women and children. We work with traditional, faith, and community leaders to reduce the stigma of HIV in order to end the epidemic. USAID also funds treatment of tuberculosis, which is particularly dangerous for those infected with HIV. In Botswana, over eight thousand people develop TB every year, and it is responsible for over forty percent of deaths in the HIV-positive population.
We are also proud to partner with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and civil society organizations to improve health services throughout the country and ensure that crucial supplies, such as anti-retroviral medications, are available when and where they are needed.
Economic Growth and Trade
USAID provides access to much needed credit for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs in Botswana. Through its Development Credit Authority (DCA) with Barclays Bank, these loan guarantees are helping the country to diversify its economy and create jobs.
USAID’s Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub encourages private enterprise across the region, including Botswana, to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, expanding opportunities for manufacturers and workers in multiple industries.
Environment
A 2006 "debt for nature swap" between the U.S. and Botswana was the first, and to date only, U.S. Tropical Forest Conservation Act agreement concluded on the continent of Africa. The agreement provides a one-time allotment of over eight million dollars of debt relief funding for grants to conserve and restore Botswana's forest resources.
In addition, USAID/Southern Africa’s regional programs support positive environmental practices in Botswana. For more information, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/southern-africa-regional/environment
