100% of your donation helps families living with HIV.

The Government of Botswana now generously provides HIV medication to citizens and non-citizens alike. Still, non-citizens often cannot access other necessary medication and services. This includes medication for conditions like diabetes and depression, as well as services like family planning, psychological support, and free HIV testing for family members. Your donation helps provide families with medication and services.

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From our blog...

We have very exiting news: in December 2019, the Government of Botswana moved to provide HIV care and medication to all. This includes both citizens, who were previously covered, as well as the large number of non-citizens living in Botswana.

While we are thrilled that the government now provides HIV medication, the children and families of Maipelo still need other medications and services.

Facts & Figures

Facts Preview

There are currently 36.7 million people living with HIV globally, 2.6 million of whom are children. Less than half of these HIV+ children and adults have access to treatment.

In Botswana, 350,000 people are living with HIV, comprising about 22% of the total population.

Botswana has a large population of non-citizens from countries like Zimbabwe. The number of undocumented Zimbabweans living in Botswana continues to rise from an estimated 40,000-100,000.

Many of these Zimbabweans fled from desperately poor economic conditions in their home country, where the unemployment rate is estimated to be as high as 95%, and about three quarters of the population lives in poverty.

Certain groups of migrants are particularly at risk. Around a third of pregnant women are HIV+ and at risk of transmitting HIV to their babies.

The medication to prevent a pregnant woman from transmitting HIV to her baby (PMTCT) can cost as low as $20.

In total, HIV treatment costs only around $1 a day per person.

Who we've helped

Blessing

Blessing’s parents met after both fled Zimbabwe for Botswana in search of better opportunities. After Blessing’s mother became pregnant, she was able to get treatment from the Maipelo Trust such that Blessing was thankfully born HIV negative. Her parents work part-time jobs when they can, but still often struggle to make ends meet. Through Cover the Globe, they are able to manage their HIV without worrying about not being able to afford treatment. This treatment helps them stay healthier so they can better provide for Blessing.

William & Noah

William came to Botswana from Zimbabwe about 15 years ago, and got a part-time job repairing electronics. He then met Felicia, and the two quickly fell in love and were married. When William’s wife became pregnant, she was referred to Maipelo and was able to receive treatment so that their son Noah was born HIV negative. William and Felicia now have three children, all born HIV negative, and William and Felicia are much better able to manage their HIV with Cover the Globe’s support.

Patience & Justin

Patience came to Botswana several years ago in search of a job, because opportunities in Zimbabwe were extremely limited. She later met a man at church that she married and had two children with, including her son Justin. One day, Justin became ill, so she took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with HIV. Patience was also diagnosed with HIV, so she started going to Cover the Globe’s partner Maipelo Trust in order for her family to receive the treatment that allowed Justin to recover, and keeps Patience healthy enough to keep supporting her young family.

Erica

Erica’s mother fled from Zimbabwe in 2007 because, as she puts it, there were “no jobs left.” She started working part-time cleaning and washing, earning about $80 a month when times were good. It was in Botswana where Erica was born, and she became ill soon after birth. An HIV test revealed that Erica was positive, and her mother tested positive as well. The two of them were then referred to Cover the Globe’s partner Maipelo Children’s Trust to receive medication. Erica has become much healthier as a result of the treatment, and is now a rambunctious toddler who loves to laugh and dance.

Care for families living with HIV

We provide care and services to children and families living with HIV in Botswana. 100% of your donation goes directly toward medication and services for these families.