AGP Executive Report

HIV Progress: UNAIDS highlights Botswana among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets—knowing status, staying on treatment, and achieving undetectable viral load—pointing to community and health-system partnerships as the key to sustained gains. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives have petitioned Botswana’s Cabinet to reject proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning higher subscription, licensing and penalty charges could push professionals out of practice. Public Health Data Watch: Botswana has reported nearly 41,000 deaths over five years through its Births and Deaths Registration System, raising questions about drivers of mortality and the state of healthcare challenges. Health Readiness & Training: North Carolina National Guard and the Botswana Defence Force engaged students at Gaborone Technical College on personal health, informed decision-making and readiness, linking wellbeing to education and long-term goals. Water & Health Services: Water Utilities Corporation is facing a major financial squeeze, with a large loss, shrinking cash reserves and rising customer debt—an issue that can ripple into water and sanitation service reliability. Migration Risks: Government notes rising outward migration, especially to Europe, and warns job seekers may face trafficking, labour exploitation and deceptive recruitment—health and wellbeing risks for vulnerable travellers.

HIV Progress in Focus: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV milestone and notes Botswana among the countries already reaching the targets, stressing that community and health-system partnerships drive sustained results. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives petition Cabinet to reject steep Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning higher costs could push professionals out of practice and worsen shortages. Migration and Health Access: Botswana’s government links rising outward migration—especially to Europe—to unemployment, economic strain, and the pull of better healthcare abroad, while police warn job seekers face trafficking and exploitation risks. Public Health Data Spotlight: Botswana reports nearly 41,000 deaths over five years, raising questions about underlying causes and the state of healthcare capacity. Wellness for Adults 40+: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) opens registration and seeks sponsors, aiming to boost active living and preventive care. Medical Cannabis Plan: Botswana signals moves to legalize cannabis for medical use and exports, citing trials showing suitability for local cultivation and potential jobs and investment.

HIV progress in the region: UNAIDS highlights the 95-95-95 push, noting Botswana among the countries that have reached the targets, where undetectable viral load means “undetectable equals untransmittable,” keeping people healthier and preventing transmission. Nursing workforce under pressure: Nurses and midwives petition Cabinet to reject proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee hikes, warning the jump from P50 to P850 could deepen shortages and push professionals out of legal practice. Botswana mortality data raises alarms: Parliament heard that nearly 41,000 deaths were registered over five years, but officials could not provide leading causes of death—prompting fresh questions about what is driving mortality and how health data is used. Migration and health access strain: Government links rising outward migration—especially to Europe—to unemployment, economic pressure, and better healthcare abroad, while police warn job seekers face trafficking and exploitation risks. Beyond 40 wellness push: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) is opening registration and seeking more sponsors to encourage preventive health and active ageing for adults 40+. Regional health security: Namibia calls for stronger cross-border cooperation to prepare for outbreaks like monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fevers, stressing diseases spread with people and trade.

Public Health Pressure: Botswana’s parliament heard that nearly 41,000 deaths were recorded over five years, with shifting death rates and ages at death raising fresh questions about underlying health and social drivers. Workforce & Regulation: Nurses and midwives have petitioned Cabinet to reject steep NMCB fee increases (from P50 to P850), warning the costs could push professionals out of registration and worsen staffing shortages. Wellness in the Community: Gaborone’s Beyond 40 wellness walk is gearing up for September 5, with registration open and early corporate support aimed at getting adults 40+ moving and using preventive healthcare. Infectious Disease Readiness: Namibia’s health ministry called for stronger cross-border cooperation for monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fever preparedness, stressing that diseases spread with people and trade. Safety & Health Access for Youth: A South African under-18 softball player in Botswana says injury care and mental health support are limited outside tournaments, highlighting gaps in sports healthcare funding. Health Risks from Climate: Botswana is among countries bracing for a possible super El Niño, with warnings of hotter temperatures, water stress, wildfire risk, and impacts on wildlife.

Public Health Data: Botswana reported nearly 41,000 deaths in five years, with figures shared in Parliament from the Births and Deaths Registration System, raising fresh questions about what’s driving mortality trends and how prepared the health system is. Nursing Workforce Pressure: Nurses and midwives petitioned Cabinet to reject proposed NMCB fee increases (from P50 to P850), warning higher costs could push professionals out of registration and worsen staffing shortages. Wellness & Active Ageing: Gaborone’s Beyond 40: Stride by Stride Walk (Sept 5) is gaining momentum with sponsors like CEDA, aiming to get adults 40+ moving through 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes and preventive health messaging. Regional Disease Readiness: Namibia’s health ministry called for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to outbreaks, stressing that infections spread with people and trade. Health in the Field: A South African under-18 softball player highlighted gaps in medical and mental health support for athletes outside tournaments, alongside the costs of travel and care. Trade & Health Link: India and SACU signed terms of reference to negotiate a preferential trade deal, with sanitary and phytosanitary measures included—relevant for how food and health-related goods move across borders.

Nursing Workforce Under Pressure: Nurses, midwives and supporters have petitioned Botswana’s Cabinet to reject steep Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) fee increases, warning that rising subscription, licensing and penalty charges (from P50 to P850 per year) could push professionals out of practice and worsen staffing shortages. Cross-Border Disease Readiness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services is calling for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, stressing that travel and trade can spread illnesses fast and that preparedness must cover threats like Ebola, Marburg and yellow fever. Sports Health Gaps: A South African under-18 softball player preparing to compete in Gaborone says injury care and mental health support are limited outside tournaments, raising concerns about how young athletes manage injuries with little ongoing medical follow-up. Wellness for Active Ageing: Botswana’s Beyond 40 wellness walk is set for September 5 in Gaborone, encouraging adults 40+ to stay active and use preventive healthcare, with route options from 2.5km to 10km. Regional Trade With Health Links: India and SACU (including Botswana) signed terms of reference to negotiate a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to cover goods like pharmaceuticals and sanitary and phytosanitary measures—important for future access to medicines and health-related trade rules.

Cross-Border Disease Preparedness: Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services called for stronger cross-border cooperation to stop infectious disease outbreaks, warning that travel and trade can spread monkeypox and viral haemorrhagic fevers fast and that surveillance at points of entry must be improved. Youth Sports Health Gap: A South African under-18 softball player heading to a tournament in Gaborone said medical and mental health support is limited outside competitions, with athletes often only seeing a physiotherapist during tournaments. Botswana Health Access for Returnees: Namibia’s Ovambanderu chief urged faster integration of families repatriated from Botswana, saying children are still learning under tents and the temporary settlement lacks nearby health facilities. HIV Prevention Alarm: Botswana reports early sexual activity among young people, with testimony highlighting high new HIV infections among ages 15–24 and a heavy burden on girls, pointing to urgent need for targeted prevention and support. Livestock Disease & Financing: Botswana’s new planned commodities exchange aims to help livestock businesses access liquidity during Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions using warehouse receipt systems, while feedlot operators challenge government restrictions in court. Trade That Touches Health: Botswana and Nigeria discussed a trade gateway under AfCFTA, including opportunities in pharmaceuticals and logistics that could affect access to medicines across the region.

HIV Prevention Focus: NAHPA warns Botswana’s youth HIV burden is worsening, with 1,077 new infections among ages 15–24 in 2025 and 839 in females, pointing to intergenerational sexual relationships as a likely driver and urging targeted action for adolescent girls and young women. Wellness for Active Ageing: CEDA backs the “Beyond 40” wellness walk in Gaborone on 5 September, encouraging adults 40+ to build healthier habits, preventive care and active ageing through 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes. HIV & Health Access at Risk: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees repatriated from Botswana are still living in a temporary settlement under tents with limited services, including a lack of a nearby health clinic—prompting calls for faster full integration. Food Security & Nutrition Angle: Botswana’s livestock sector shows momentum at the Aminuis Agricultural Show, with live cattle and sheep exports rising sharply in the first half of 2026, supporting household nutrition and livelihoods. Health System Safety Incident: A senior Botswana Defence Force officer was reportedly attacked and rushed from the Mogoditshane BDF Clinic to Bokamoso Private Hospital, where he remains in critical condition as police investigate. Trade & Health Supply Chains: Botswana and Nigeria move to strengthen regional trade under SADC, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals—potentially supporting access to medicines across the region.

HIV Prevention Under Strain: Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are disrupted due to procurement failures, and NAHPHA warns the shortage could raise the risk of new HIV infections—condoms remain a key pillar of prevention. Youth HIV Risk: NAHPHA also told the Public Accounts Committee that young people are still acquiring HIV at alarming rates, with adolescent girls and young women making up most infections; officials flagged intergenerational relationships as a possible driver. Wellness Push for Adults 40+: CEDA is backing the “Beyond 40” wellness walk in Gaborone on September 5, encouraging regular activity, preventive healthcare and active ageing with 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes. Livestock Health and Trade Pressure: Botswana’s FMD fallout continues to hit livelihoods and markets, including legal action by beef feedlot operators against veterinary restrictions, and export quota losses linked to disease-related limits. Regional Health Access Concern: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees from Botswana face gaps in nearby health services and clinic access, with leaders urging faster full integration. Community Integration & Services: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met Ovambanderu leaders to discuss reintegration needs for repatriated families, including education and health facility access. Pension Resilience: Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund reported 10% asset growth to P128.3 billion despite diamond downturn pressures.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure: NAHPA warns Botswana’s HIV fight is at risk after a public-sector condom shortage disrupted supplies, and new data shows young people are starting sex as early as 13—fueling infections that hit adolescent girls and young women hardest. Youth HIV Focus: At the Public Accounts Committee, NAHPA linked the pattern of 1,077 new HIV infections among ages 15–24 in 2025 (839 among females) to intergenerational relationships, calling for targeted action. FMD Fallout for Health and Food Security: Botswana’s FMD crisis is spilling into livelihoods and nutrition systems, with feedlot operators suing government over disease control restrictions, while Namibia gains from quota shifts tied to Botswana’s export limits. Livestock Financing Plan: Botswana Stock Exchange says the planned Botswana Mercantile Exchange could help livestock businesses access liquidity during outbreaks using warehouse receipt collateral. Regional Trade for Access: SADC is pushing a simplified trade regime to cut border costs for small traders—important for keeping food and health supplies moving. Community Integration Needs: Namibia’s Ovambanderu returnees from Botswana face gaps in clinics and schooling, highlighting how health access and child protection must be built into reintegration plans. Women’s Health Leadership: Merck Foundation CEO Dr Rasha Kelej received recognition for advancing women’s empowerment and equitable healthcare access across Africa.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure: NAHPA says children can start sex as early as 13, and PAC testimony links new HIV infections among 15–24-year-olds to intergenerational relationships—especially affecting young women (839 of 1,077 new infections in 2025). Condom Shortage Risk: NAHPA also warns procurement failures have disrupted public-sector condom supplies, threatening Botswana’s HIV prevention “pillars” at clinics. FMD Fallout Hits Livelihoods: Two major beef feedlot operators (J S Beef and Primefast) have sued Government over FMD-related veterinary restrictions, arguing the rules are financially crushing and could collapse businesses. Livestock Finance Fix: Botswana Stock Exchange says the planned Botswana Mercantile Exchange could help farmers and feedlots survive future FMD crises via warehouse receipt financing. Regional Trade for Health Access: SADC is pushing a Simplified Trade Regime to cut border costs and barriers for small traders, including Botswana—potentially improving access to essential services. Youth Health Through Sport: Gaborone is preparing for the 2026 Independence Kids Run, promoting active living and healthy lifestyles for children.

HIV Prevention Under Strain: NAHPHA warns Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are running low due to procurement failures, raising fears of higher new HIV infections—condoms remain a key prevention pillar. Youth HIV Burden: New data presented to the Public Accounts Committee shows 1,077 people aged 15–24 acquired HIV in 2025, with females making up nearly 78% of infections in that age group; NAHPHA points to intergenerational sexual relationships as a likely driver. Foot-and-Mouth Spillover Risk (Regional): Namibia reports young people clearing bush along the Botswana border to erect a fence and curb cattle movement amid FMD threats, highlighting how cross-border animal health can affect livelihoods and food security. Wellness in Gaborone: Botswana Tourism Organisation backs a September 5 wellness walk at the Three Dikgosi Monument, promoting physical well-being and active community participation. Livestock Trade Signals: Botswana’s live cattle and sheep export figures (reported from regional show coverage) show strong growth, but the wider context remains shaped by disease control pressures like FMD.

HIV Prevention Under Strain: NAHPA warns Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are disrupted by procurement failures, raising fears that HIV prevention gains could slip as people may struggle to access condoms at clinics. Young Women Bear HIV Burden: New data presented to the Public Accounts Committee shows 1,077 new HIV acquisitions among ages 15–24 in 2025, with females accounting for nearly 78%—NAHPA points to intergenerational sexual relationships as a likely driver. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Fallout: Botswana’s FMD battle has cost exporters a premium Norwegian beef quota worth about P75 million, with Namibia gaining extra quota after Botswana couldn’t fully use its allocation. Livestock Exports Climb: Despite disease pressures, Namibia reports strong livestock export growth, while Botswana’s regional context highlights how animal health directly affects trade and livelihoods. Wellness Push in Gaborone: Botswana Tourism Organisation backs a September 5 wellness walk at Three Dikgosi Monument, aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and boost domestic tourism.

HIV Prevention Under Strain: Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are reportedly depleted after procurement failures, with NAHPHA warning the shortage could raise the risk of new HIV infections. FMD Fallout for Trade: Botswana’s foot-and-mouth disease battle has cost it a premium Norwegian beef quota worth about P75 million, with Namibia gaining extra quota under SACU-EFTA arrangements. Livestock Exports Holding Up: Despite disease pressures, Botswana’s live cattle exports rose 47.4% in the first half of 2026 and live sheep exports grew 58.1%, alongside higher export-approved abattoir throughput. Community Health Access: Namibia’s Ovambanderu leaders say repatriated families from Botswana face gaps in health clinic access and education, urging faster reintegration support. Wellness in Gaborone: Botswana Tourism Organisation endorsed a national wellness walk set for Sept 5 at Three Dikgosi Monument, aiming to boost physical well-being and promote domestic tourism. Border & Services Push: Mayeyi leadership renewed calls for a border post near Kawedumu or Yasunu to shorten travel for trade and health access.

Condom shortage and HIV prevention risk: Botswana’s public-sector condom supplies are under strain after procurement failures, with NAHPHA warning the gap could raise the risk of new HIV infections for people who rely on free condoms at health facilities. FMD fallout for regional beef trade: Botswana’s foot-and-mouth disease disruptions have cost it a premium Norwegian beef quota worth about P75 million, with Namibia gaining extra quota under SACU-EFTA arrangements—another reminder of how animal health affects livelihoods. FMD response in the region: Namibia’s border-area youth are clearing bush to help erect a fence and curb cattle movement amid fears of FMD spread from Botswana and South Africa, highlighting the need for strong biosecurity. Wellness push in Gaborone: Botswana Tourism Organisation has endorsed a September 5 wellness walk at the Three Dikgosi Monument, aiming to promote active lifestyles and domestic tourism. Public health leadership spotlight: A profile highlights Southern African alcohol harm-reduction advocacy work led by Aadielah Maker Diedericks, linking inequality, HIV experiences, and prevention-focused policy efforts across the region. Malaria travel warning: UK travel health guidance lists Botswana among malaria-risk destinations, urging travellers to take precautions.

Migration & Health Access: Zimbabwe community leaders in South Africa pushed back on xenophobic claims after official figures at SAN-MIS showed international migrants are just under 4% of SA’s population (about 2.4 million people), raising concerns that exaggerated numbers are being used to stoke fear and strain services. Border Services & Clinics: Namibia’s Ovambanderu Traditional Authority urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address health-care gaps tied to repatriation and temporary resettlement, including the lack of nearby clinics and education facilities. Water & Community Development: Mayeyi leadership in Namibia called Sangwali the least developed area, citing long distances to services, drought impacts, and dependence on boreholes—plus demands to extend water pipelines and improve local governance. Wellness in Botswana: Botswana Tourism Organisation endorsed the “Beyond 40 Walk” wellness initiative in Gaborone, promoting active lifestyles and community use of public spaces. Malaria Travel Warning: UK travel health guidance flagged Botswana and several other countries as malaria-risk destinations, urging travellers to take precautions. Public Health Advocacy: Southern African alcohol policy advocate Aadielah Maker Diedericks highlighted how inequality and HIV experiences shaped her long-term push for prevention-focused, evidence-based alcohol harm reduction across the region. Health & Safety in Wildlife: A Botswana wildlife clip sparked debate over whether oxpeckers were removing parasites or feeding from wounds—an example of how misinformation can spread around animal health.