BOTSWANA UNVEILS CONTINGENCY PLAN TO COUNTER US AID CUTS

Sun 09 February 2025:

Botswana’s Ministry of Health is scrambling to mitigate the impact of the US government’s decision to suspend support for civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide critical HIV/AIDS services. To cushion the blow, the ministry is rolling out emergency measures to ensure continuity of care for affected patients.

Christopher Nyanga, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said in a press release on Thursday that every effort will be made to provide these services as before.

“Fortunately, in some cases, some of these partners have been providing services within the public health facilities,” said Nyanga, adding that it is unknown how long the CSOs and NGOs will be closed.

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The ministry, therefore, advises the public and all clients who have been receiving services from these CSOs and NGOs to seek services from the nearest public health facilities, he said.

Meanwhile, Nyanga said the ministry is still consulting other stakeholders on how services like those for victims of gender-based violence will be alternatively provided. He said the government will issue more updates on developments and new initiatives.

Botswana has multiple CSOs and NGOs operating in the health sector that are directly affected by the decision to suspend support by the U.S. government.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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