A unique cohort of children infected since birth now have suppressed virus levels and are part of clinical trials exploring potential cures using broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), with early treatment possibly leading to long-term remission.

At the turn of the century, about 12.5% of infants were infected at birth, with transmission rates between 20-40%, and child mortality due to HIV nearly doubled, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Other African countries like Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are seeking Botswana’s advice on sustainable financing strategies for long-term HIV prevention, emphasizing domestic resource mobilization.

Despite economic challenges from declining foreign aid and disruptions in the diamond industry, Botswana has managed to fund about 70% of its HIV programs independently, leveraging its wealth and low corruption to sustain progress.

Botswana, once threatened by high HIV transmission rates and child mortality, has become a global leader in eliminating pediatric HIV, thanks to pioneering interventions over two decades.

Under the leadership of then-president Festus Mogae and health officials like Dr. Loeto Mazhani, Botswana implemented strategies such as widespread antenatal testing, antiretroviral therapy (Option B+), and promoting formula feeding, which helped reduce mother-to-child transmission to below 1%.

In 2025, Botswana became the first high-HIV country to achieve WHO’s Gold Tier status for eliminating mother-to-child transmission, showcasing its effective prevention and treatment efforts.

The country's success is largely due to sustained government investment, early political commitment, and comprehensive programs including free antiretroviral therapy since 2002 and the adoption of WHO's Option B+ strategy in 2013 for pregnant women.

High maternal healthcare access—over 99.8% of pregnant women give birth in hospitals, with 95% receiving free prenatal care—has enabled routine HIV screening and immediate testing for newborns, significantly reducing transmission.

Advanced laboratory testing for early detection and swift treatment of HIV in pregnant women has further contributed to nearly universal antenatal coverage and immediate infant testing.

Since 1999, Botswana's policies have prevented approximately 59,000 children from HIV infection, with global policies preventing over 4 million since then, highlighting the importance of political will and consistent funding.

Experts believe Botswana’s infrastructure, population, and experience make it a prime location for breakthroughs toward an HIV cure, positioning it as a critical player in global HIV research.