Facts & Figures

• 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.
• 78% of HIV+ adult citizens of Botswana have access to free treatment, while non-citizens have to pay for treatment because they are foreigners.
• Many of these non-citizens come from 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.
• Because they are non-nationals, pregnant women are also unable to access the treatment that will prevent their babies from being born HIV+.

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

• Below is a more detailed breakdown:

  • Antiretroviral medication (ARVs) for 1 child per month: $25

  • Antiretroviral medication (ARVs) for 1 adult per month: $35

  • Medication to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT): $20

  • Lab costs to monitor progress per time done 2-4 times per year: $20