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HIV medication
Botswana has reassured foreign inmates, including South Africans and Zimbabweans, serving time in the neighbouring country that the southern African country’s government will not falter in providing them with free antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
This is despite the decision of halting foreign health assistance by the US administration under President Donald Trump.
Spokesperson for Botswana’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Christopher Nyanga says no local or foreign nationals, who have been receiving assistance from the US health programme will be left to die.
Nyanga says many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations have since closed for business following the decision to suspend the aid.
“As a result, the Ministry of Health advises Batswana and all the people who were receiving services from these US funded organisations to seek such services or advice, as to the way forward, from the nearest public health facility. The Ministry will keep an eye on the situation and will act accordingly to ensure that no Motswana (a citizen of Botswana) who was supposed to receive a service does not receive such.”
Related video | PEPFAR HIV funding cut:
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing all US aid to South Africa, citing human rights violations linked to the Land Expropriation Act and discrimination against the white Afrikaner minority. International relations expert Professor John Stremlau weighs in. pic.twitter.com/WEvXHwc0B1
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 10, 2025
