A critical shortage of infant formula in public hospitals is raising alarm as health officials and advocacy groups warn it could reverse the gains made by Botswana in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The shortage is said to have particularly hit areas such as Francistown, where warehouses have reportedly run out of stock. The formula, a key component of the national Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, provides a safe feeding option for HIV exposed infants whose mothers choose not to breastfeed.
There are fears that the shortage threatens Botswana’s celebrated progress that prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to award the country with a “silver tier” certification given for eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV.
The Voice is possession of letter from the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Bobby Kgosiemang who warned that the PMTCT programme is currently experiencing a critical shortage of infant formula.
“The Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, through the (PMTCT) programme has an infant feeding strategy by provision of infant formula. This is an option to feed its HIV exposed babies whose mothers opted to formula feed them,” said Kgosiemang.
Kgosiemang’s communique advises districts to prioritise distribution of the limited stock while government works to secure additional supplies.
“Issuing of infant formula will therefore be restricted only to children from birth to six months who are exclusively formula fed,” the letter stated.
Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) Vice Chairperson, Kennedy Mupeli said the situation was deeply concerning, particularly for HIV-exposed infants whose mothers have chosen formula feeding in line with national PMTCT guidance.
“While we understand that supply chain challenges can occur, any disruption that affects infant nutrition places children at immediate risk and must be treated as a public health priority,” said Mupeli, further urging government and partners to act urgently to restore supplies and communicate clearly with affected families.
The shortage could spell a disaster for districts that have recorded a decline in zero HIV transmission to newly born babies around the country.
Health Ministry Spokesperson, Christopher Nyanga stated that all the districts have seen a decline in transmission of HIV to infants in the past.
While he acknowledged the setback, Nyanga also highlighted the Botswana’s historic gains. He said annual transmissions from mother to child have plummeted from an estimated 5,000 at the inception of the PMTCT program to less than 100 by 2021.
“HIV testing is voluntary as indicated in HIV testing guidelines. Despite this, women do test in large numbers as indicated by the 98% testing rate.”
Nyanga said there has been progress in eliminating children who are born HIV positive as data shows that children who were born HIV positive in 2009 at the start of the program were 277, while in 2021 they were 60.
