Botswana has officially received Gold Tier Certification from the World Health Organization (WHO), a recognition that places the country at the forefront of global efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The announcement was made on Monday by Botswana’s Ministry of Health, marking a historic achievement in the nation’s decades-long battle against the virus.
Health Minister Stephen Modise, speaking at a ceremony in Geneva, described the award as a powerful affirmation of Botswana’s enduring commitment to public health. “This recognition reflects the unwavering determination of our citizens, the tireless work of healthcare professionals, and the valuable support of our international partners,” Modise said. He highlighted the certification as a major step toward the country’s ultimate goal of ending the HIV epidemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed this sentiment, announcing, “This year, we validated Botswana as the first country to achieve gold tier status in the journey to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.” The certification sets Botswana apart as a leader in HIV prevention, particularly among nations with high infection rates.
Botswana’s path to this recognition has been shaped by more than 20 years of strategic and sustained intervention. In the early 2000s, the country faced one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. In response, Botswana implemented a bold public health strategy that prioritized early access to treatment, widespread education, and systemic support for those living with HIV.
One of the most significant policy shifts came in 2002, when Botswana became one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to provide free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all pregnant women diagnosed with HIV. This proactive approach not only improved maternal health outcomes but also drastically reduced the likelihood of transmission to newborns. Universal ART access has since become a cornerstone of Botswana’s HIV prevention program.
The Gold Tier Certification builds upon Botswana’s earlier milestone in 2021, when it earned Silver Tier status—the first high-burden HIV country to do so. That recognition underscored the country’s early success in scaling up prevention measures. With this latest achievement, Botswana has demonstrated that even in settings with widespread HIV challenges, elimination of vertical transmission is within reach.
Botswana’s progress offers a blueprint for other countries grappling with high HIV rates. By combining political will, evidence-based policies, and international collaboration, the country has transformed a once dire public health landscape into a model of resilience and innovation.
The WHO certification not only celebrates past progress but also signals a new chapter in Botswana’s ongoing health journey—one that aspires to see an HIV-free generation in the not-so-distant future.