Botswana wins WHO gold tier award in curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission

GABORONE, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has attained Gold Tier Certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday.

"This achievement is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the people of Botswana, our healthcare workers and our partners," Minister of Health Stephen Modise was quoted as saying in a statement.

He said the certification is a milestone that demonstrates Botswana's resolve to end HIV, in a speech on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, on the occasion of receiving the award.

"This year, we validated Botswana for becoming the first country to reach gold tier status on the path to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In 2021, Botswana received the Silver Tier Award, becoming the first HIV high-burden country to achieve that milestone.

Botswana's achievement follows over two decades of relentless efforts. In the early 2000s, the southern African nation had one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. However, through interventions, including the early adoption of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART), Botswana has dramatically reduced transmission rates. Since 2002, the country has provided free ART to pregnant women living with HIV. Enditem