CRS in Botswana

The CRS Botswana program is now an outreach of the Zimabawe country program and supports the Diocese of Gaborone in the South and Vicariate of Francistown in the north.

Botswana has one of Africa's highest economic growth rates. The government has mounted an aggressive response to confront the HIV and AIDS epidemic. CRS works closely with the Catholic Church to support the government's efforts. HIV infection rates are now decreasing. Significant advances have also been made in providing antiretroviral treatment and preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.

CRS' History in Botswana

Catholic Relief Services opened a small program office in Botswana in mid 2006 to support the government's response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The office was established in the northeastern city of Francistown, in a region with vast needs and lack of community services. Focusing our outreach in the north of Botswana helps us reach underserved people who traditionally have little access to the humanitarian assistance available in larger towns.