Botswana has the second highest HIV prevalence in the world at 23.9% in 2007. With approximately 280,000 adults and 15,000 children aged 0 to 14 living with HIV at the end of 2007. Data from the 2006 HIV Sentinel Surveillance survey show that HIV prevalence among pregnant women aged 15-49 years dropped from 33.4% in 2005 to 32.4% in 2006. Data from the 2005 and 2006 Sentinel Surveillance show a modest HIV prevalence decline in all age groups except 35-39 years, most notably among 40-49 year olds from 30.4% to 27.4% in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
HIV prevalence differs widely by geographical location, with the highest prevalence in the northern and eastern parts of the country (35.4% in Ngami, 41.1% in Selebi-Phikwe and 42% in Chobe). There is very little difference between prevalence rates in rural and urban settings.
According to UNAIDS/WHO estimates there were 93,000 people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at the end of 2007 compared to 37,000 in 2004. Botswana has one of the highest rates of treatment coverage in the region with 79% of people on ART.
