Botswana

Inefficient allocation and use of existing government funds, disparities between investments made in primary and tertiary health care, and low participation by multi-stakeholder groups in sustainable financing policy discussions are the main challenges identified.

Collaboration with the Government of Botswana and other key stakeholders: ACS built on existing forums, technical working groups and other committees to promote inclusive dialogue and collaboration. ACS supports the government to implement the Health Financing Strategy (HFS) with a focus on addressing inefficiencies, strengthening health service payment mechanisms, improving resource tracking, developing a tariff setting roadmap, a basic HIV/AIDS service package and strengthening health service payment mechanisms. Through this support, ACS recognized alignment of the HFS reforms and the National Strategic Framework III HIV/AIDS sustainable financing strategies is a key component of Botswana’s path towards UHC. ACS also facilitated a process to ensure HIV/AIDS-specific work benefits accrue to the entire health system.

ACS engages with diverse stakeholders to ensure all vital voices are included in health financing policy dialogue- i.e. youth, civil society, researchers and academics as well as private and public sector actors.

At the national level, ACS supports learning between technical support teams and government counterparts. At the regional level, ACS facilitates learning exchanges with Namibia, Kenya, and other ACS countries working to support similar health financing initiatives.