HIV/AIDS in Botswana - A matter of governance

Abstract: Botswana is suffering from one of the worst HIV/AIDS outbreaks in the world and the entire society and several stakeholders play a role in the containment of this pandemic. This dissertation aims at turning the focus to the governance aspects of the disease and to examine how different stakeholders in the Botswana society adhere to their responsibilities with reference to policy, resources and implementation. There is not a single right answer to where the weaknesses and strengths of the governance lie, though clear indications suggest that specific areas need to, and could, be improved. Our findings implicate that in the fight against HIV/AIDS a more forceful governance and response is needed. The Botswana policy on HIV/AIDS needs to be clearer and more effectively implemented, preferably through legislation. The human resource endowment needs to be significantly prioritized and strengthened to ensure that the financial resources, which are directed towards containing the pandemic, are put to good use.