East and Southern Africa is the region hardest hit by HIV. It is home to around 6.2% of the world’s population but over half (54%) of the total number of people living with HIV in the world (20.6 million people).
It is estimated that 370,000 people live with HIV in Botswana, however universal free antiretroviral treatment means that 85% of adults are receiving treatment.
With one million adults living with HIV, Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Recent years have seen a drop in new infections, from 55,000 in 2010 to 38,000 in 2018.
Botswana has demonstrated a strong national commitment to its HIV response, and has succeeded in reaching two of the three 90-90-90 targets. HIV knowledge and improved testing rates are needed to close the remaining gap.
Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalences in the world despite the impressive progress the country has made in controlling its HIV epidemic in recent years.
Although awareness of HIV and AIDS is high in Kenya, many people living with HIV face high levels of stigma and discrimination which prevent people accessing HIV services.