01/09/2026
STRENGTHENING DISTRICT-LEVEL HIV PREVENTION COORDINATION IN BOTSWANA
NAHPA recently held a follow-up dialogue with District AIDS Coordinators (DACs), focused on strengthening leadership, coordination, accountability and performance across Botswana’s HIV response.
Opening the meeting, NAHPA Deputy National Coordinator, Ms Tebogo Hlabano, welcomed the appointment of Dr Neo Tapela as the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and reaffirmed NAHPA’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry’s leadership to advance health system transformation and strengthen service delivery.
The engagement reaffirmed a critical principle: the strength of Botswana’s national HIV response is reflected in the effectiveness of coordination and implementation at district and community level. DACs remain a vital link between national priorities and the communities we serve.
Key discussions focused on:
• Strengthening district leadership and coordination
• Making District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committees (DMSACs) more functional, accountable and results-driven
• Expanding engagement with traditional leaders, local authorities, the private sector, civil society and communities
• Translating recommendations from the 2024 District-Level HIV Response Coordination and Management Review into concrete action and measurable improvements
With external HIV financing under increasing pressure, participants also underscored the need to strengthen sustainability through domestic resource mobilisation, stronger partnerships, service integration and innovative approaches that protect the gains Botswana has made.
The dialogue further reinforced the importance of responsible data management and compliance with the Data Protection Act, particularly in safeguarding sensitive health and HIV-related information.As NAHPA navigates a period of transition and transformation within the health sector, we remain committed to listening to district leaders and ensuring their experience, expertise and ideas help shape a stronger, more responsive system.
The next phase of Botswana’s HIV response demands strong leadership, innovation, collaboration and accountability. Together, we can build a district coordination system that is stronger, more responsive, more accountable and closer to the communities we serve.