Botswana has launched a comprehensive health financing study to track healthcare and HIV and AIDS funding, aiming to improve resource allocation and policy planning.
The study, known as the Harmonised System of Health Accounts and National AIDS Spending Assessment and commissioned by the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNAIDS, will run from 1 June to 31 August 2025.
“This process is essential for policy decision making, ensuring efficient resource allocation, enhancing budget planning, progress towards National Strategy Framework for HIV and AIDS and advancing progress towards universal health coverage,” the ministry and NAHPA said in a joint statement on Monday.
Botswana’s health sector has faced funding challenges, particularly in sustaining HIV and AIDS programmes, following global donor reductions.
Botswana has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, with about 21 percent of the adult population living with HIV.
While the country has made significant progress in reducing infections, the fiscal burden of HIV and AIDS programmes remains high, accounting for a sizable proportion of total government spending.
The study will engage government officials, development partners, private sector stakeholders, NGOs and medical aid schemes to ensure comprehensive data collection and effective policy recommendations.
Authorities hope the findings will guide sustainable health financing strategies, ensuring Botswana’s ability to maintain critical healthcare services despite shifting global funding dynamics.
JN/APA