New Book Chronicles Botswana’s Historic Fight Against HIV/AIDS Under Former President Festus Mogae

New Book Chronicles Botswana’s Historic Fight Against HIV/AIDS Under Former President Festus Mogae. A new book titled Mogae’s Battle for a Nation’s Survival: Inside How Botswana Waged War on HIV/AIDS has been launched, offering an unprecedented look into Botswana’s battle against one of the deadliest epidemics in modern history.

Authored by journalist and researcher Tefo Pheage, the 500-page publication meticulously documents how former President Festus Mogae led Botswana’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis during his presidency. Spanning nearly 40 chapters, the book details the country’s journey from the first reported cases in 1985 through to the end of Mogae’s tenure, capturing the policies, partnerships, and leadership that helped stabilize the epidemic.

Launched on 11 September 2025 in Gaborone, the event drew a distinguished audience that included Health Minister Dr. Stephen Modise, former Health Minister Professor Sheila Tlou, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (former WHO Africa Regional Director), and Business Botswana President Neo Nwako, among other national leaders and health advocates.

In his remarks, Pheage said he was inspired by Mogae’s leadership, describing him as a “battlefield general” who faced the epidemic with courage and conviction. The author said the book aims to serve as a resource for researchers, policymakers, and students, while also honouring the efforts of healthcare workers, activists, and citizens who contributed to Botswana’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Endorsed by notable public figures, including Dr. Edward Maganu and the late Michael Kitso Dingake, the book is the first of its kind to comprehensively document this chapter of Botswana’s history. It is available at Botswana Book Centre (Main Mall), Exclusive Books (Airport Junction), and airport bookstores in Gaborone and Kasane, distributed under BotsMedia Trade Centre.