The announcement was made Monday during the plenary session of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, where WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed Botswana’s milestone as a major step toward ending HIV.
“This is a proud moment in the fight to end HIV,” Dr Tedros said. “Botswana’s achievement demonstrates that eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is possible and sets a powerful example for other countries to follow.”
Gold Tier status is the highest level of recognition under WHO’s validation system for the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis.
It is awarded to countries that have reduced transmission to below 5% and recorded fewer than 500 new infections per 100,000 live births.
Botswana’s recognition reflects decades of sustained effort, including strong political leadership, widespread community engagement, accessible testing and treatment services, and a robust maternal and child health system.
Reacting to the accolade, Botswana’s Ministry of Health and the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) expressed pride in the nation’s progress, while pledging to maintain momentum through continued investment in HIV prevention, treatment, and health system strengthening.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) lauded the achievement as a major victory for the continent, which has long borne the heaviest burden of the HIV epidemic.
Botswana’s breakthrough offers renewed hope for other Sub-Saharan African nations, as global health partners push to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.