The preface of the report explains that it was produced as part of Botswana's fulfilment of its reporting requirements on its HIV/AIDS national programme as agreed when Botswana adopted the declaration of commitment (DOC) on HIV/AIDS at the 2001 UN general Assembly special session on HIV/AIDS in 2001. Explains that the preparation of the report required collaboration from a broad range of stake holders such as representatives from the various sectors of government, NGOs/CBOs, people living with AIDS, development partners, the private sector and academic institutions. The following topics are covered in the report: a)status at a glance in 2002; b)overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; c)national response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic; d)national programmes and attitude change; e)major challenges faced and action needed to achieve the goal/targets; f)national data collection plan;g)support required from country's development partners; h)monitoring and evaluation; i)environment. Also contains much statistical data on many aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to outpace the global response. Although important progress has been made in expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment and support, such services currently reach only a fraction of those in need. Turning the tide against the epidemic will require significantly stronger and sustained national efforts. To achieve this, a number of key challenges were identified: implementation; co-ordination; capacity; leadership; financing; social barriers and a renewed commitment to the principle of active involvement of people living with HIV & civil society as key pillars in all levels of the response