Texas Children's Global Health Botswana Baylor Trust

Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence Trust (Botswana-Baylor Trust) is a national care and treatment facility in Gaborone, Botswana, serving children, adolescents, and young adults. Our services include HIV treatment, oncology, and hematology care nationwide, alongside impactful research contributions to the global HIV and cancer communities.

Established in 2003 as a public-private partnership between the Government of Botswana and the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Botswana-Baylor Trust operates free-of-charge, state-of-the-art pediatric care at Princess Marina Hospital and through decentralized outreach services.

Since 2007, the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (PHO) program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and Texas Children’s Hospital, has enhanced cancer and blood disorder treatment for children in Botswana. A formalized partnership in 2016 strengthened efforts in scientific, technical, and medical collaboration.

Recognized with the Vision 2016 Award, Botswana-Baylor Trust remains a leader in pediatric HIV and cancer care in Botswana and the Southern Africa region, offering comprehensive treatment, psychosocial support, and professional training.

2024 at a Glance

21 Years in Operation, Gaborone, Botswana

4,705 People Reached

529 Health Professionals Trained

61 Staff Employed

Voices of Hope: Stories of Strength, Healing, and Resilience

Fear Forgotten: A Father’s Journey with Botswana Baylor Trust

A father reflects on the journey of caring for his son and the support they've received from Botswana Baylor Trust over the years.

In 2009, I brought my son to Botswana Baylor Trust. He had lost a lot of weight, and his ears were covered in sores. His mother and I had separated, and I didn’t know she was sick. I took my son in, and when we arrived at Baylor, the staff carefully examined him and confirmed he was HIV-positive. They immediately started him on treatment as part of the BANA Trial. Slowly, I began to see my son recover—his weight returned, and his energy grew.

There is so much love and the staff just know how to work with kids and create a welcoming environment."

When my son turned 10, I explained his diagnosis to him. With the counseling offered by Botswana Baylor Trust, he accepted it. Today, he openly takes his medication and even reminds me when it's time for his pills. He understands HIV and can explain it to others without shame.

At one point, my son struggled with malnutrition, but the clinic provided food supplements. Now, I’m working and can provide for him. One of the hardest parts of being a caregiver to an HIV-positive child is ensuring they eat well, especially when money is tight.

The staff at Botswana Baylor Trust go beyond just healthcare—they care about my son’s academics, mental health, and overall well-being. I don’t fear for my son’s future. HIV doesn’t define him, and with Baylor’s support, he’s thriving like any other child.

2023 Annual Report

Explore the achievements, progress, and impact in Botswana Baylor Trust's latest report.

Read the Report

Notable Programs

Paediatric Infectious Disease Clinic

The Paediatric Infectious Disease Clinic (PIDC) at Botswana-Baylor Trust provides HIV testing, treatment, care, and support for children, adolescents, and their families. With approximately 2,437 active patients, services include HIV counseling, TB screening, cervical cancer screening, and psychosocial support. Most patients receive follow-up care every three months as recommended, ensuring comprehensive, family-centered treatment.

Care for Orphan & Vulnerable Children

The Botswana Comprehensive Care and Support project, led by Botswana-Baylor Trust and funded by USAID through Global Communities, supports orphans and vulnerable children in Gaborone. It improves health, well-being, and safety through direct services, referrals, and capacity building. The program provides adherence support, psychosocial care, and age-appropriate HIV treatment literacy, ensuring comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and their families living with HIV in Botswana.

Teen Club

Teen Club, established in 2005, supports HIV-positive adolescents (13-19) through peer mentorship, life skills development, and psychosocial support. It fosters self-esteem, adherence, and positive relationships. With growing participation at both in-person and virtual sessions, Teen Club continues to expand access and engagement across Botswana. Hosted at Baylor’s Phatsimong Adolescent Centre in Gaborone, it remains a vital force in youth empowerment, HIV disclosure, and adherence support.

Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN)

CAfGEN, part of the H3Africa Consortium, has advanced genomics research on HIV/AIDS and disease progression in African children since 2014. The study trained PhD genomic scientists, data scientists, and genetic study managers, generating groundbreaking genomic data to inform policy and improve healthcare strategies. Funded by the U.S. NIH, CAfGEN has strengthened Africa’s capacity to address pediatric health challenges through collaborative research and innovation.

Global Cancer Program

The Global Cancer Program at Botswana-Baylor Trust provides comprehensive pediatric oncology and hematology care, ensuring early diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support for children and families. Through multidisciplinary teams, outreach services, and capacity building, the program strengthens Botswana’s healthcare system. Key initiatives include healthcare worker training, collaborative case discussions, and patient support programs, improving survival rates and expanding access to specialized cancer care nationwide.