Society for Children Orphaned by AIDS - SOCOBA

06/09/2026

The Friends of the Pandemic UN High-Level Meeting is an informal, time-limited platform for organisations working to support progress in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR), and specifically working to secure a strong political declaration from the 2026 UN High-Level Meeting on Pa...

05/09/2026

The Society for Children Orphaned By AIDS Inc. (SOCOBA) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the former President of Botswana, the Government of Botswana, and the nation at large following his passing.

Former President Mogae will forever be remembered for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment during one of the most difficult periods in Botswana’s history. At a time when HIV and AIDS were devastating families and communities across the country, his leadership brought hope, courage, and decisive action to the national response.

Through his strong support for Botswana’s HIV response, including the expansion of access to antiretroviral treatment and care, countless lives were saved and restored. His leadership helped transform Botswana into a global example of commitment, compassion, and urgency in responding to the HIV epidemic.

For many children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS, the expansion of treatment and care meant families were kept together longer, parents lived to care for their children, and hope was restored to households and communities across Botswana.

As SOCOBA, an organization committed to supporting children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS, we recognize and honour the vital role he played in strengthening Botswana’s commitment to health, dignity, and equitable access to healthcare and treatment.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Barbara Mogae, the Mogae family, the Government of Botswana, and all Batswana during this time of national mourning.

May his life and legacy continue to inspire future generations to uphold compassion, servant leadership, social justice, and sustained investment in public health and the wellbeing of all people.

Robala ka kagiso Rraetsho.

Society for Children Orphaned by AIDS - SOCOBA

12/25/2025

✨🎄 Holiday Wishes from SOCOBA 🎄✨

As we close another year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the communities, partners, families, and young people who inspire our mission every single day.

To everyone celebrating, may this season bring peace, joy, and moments of hope.

To those far from home, may you feel welcome and supported.
To families facing challenges, may strength and compassion surround you.
To children and young people, may you continue to dream boldly, knowing you are seen, valued, and loved.

Thank you for walking with us as we work to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are building brighter futures.

From our SOCOBA family to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and a hopeful New Year. ❤️

06/25/2025

At SOCOBA, we stand with like Martha Clara Nakato, who spoke out at on behalf of NGO Africa.

Her statement on addressing inequalities in children and adolescents reminds us why we fight every day: to ensure no child is left behind in the HIV response.

📍 Read her powerful message here: https://unaidspcbngo.org/pcb-meeting/unaids-pcb-meeting/ #3

NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS PCB StandUp4BotsYouth

Martha Clara Nakato, NGO Africa, delivered a powerful statement from the NGO delegation on Agenda Item 3: Follow-up to the thematic segment from the 55th PCB meeting on Addressing inequalities in children and adolescents to end AIDS by 2030
https://unaidspcbngo.org/pcb-meeting/unaids-pcb-meeting/ #3

03/26/2025

03/24/2025

Today is World Tuberculosis Day.

Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to be the number one infectious disease killer. In 2023, an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB worldwide and 1.25 million people died from the disease.

The Global Fund partnership provides 76% of all international financing for TB programs, supporting countries in delivering cost-effective TB interventions, rolling out patient-friendly treatment regimens, and expanding screening and diagnostics to save lives.

TB does not respect borders. The spread of TB anywhere poses huge risks for everyone, everywhere.

This deadly disease has threatened humanity for too long. We must defeat TB together.

https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/events/world-tuberculosis-day/

03/10/2025

📢 SOCOBA Joins Call for Strengthened Collaboration with Africa CDC! 🌍🩺

We are honored to stand alongside more than 20 partners in signing an open letter to the Africa CDC, urging stronger civil society engagement in health security. As part of the CSO Mpox Coordination Group, we recognize the leadership of Dr. Jean Kaseya and the Africa CDC in declaring mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security in August 2024.

However, to build a more resilient health system, we must ensure consistent engagement, transparent communication, and adequate resources for civil society partners—who play a critical role in reaching communities, advocating for equitable responses, and strengthening pandemic preparedness.

💡 Key Recommendations in Our Letter:

✅ Establish an equal partnership between civil society and Africa CDC in outbreak governance.
✅ Ensure timely, transparent communication on funding, countermeasures, and decision-making.
✅ Maintain consistent civil society focal points for engagement and relationship-building.
✅ Provide financial and technical support for civil society to fulfill their essential roles.

At SOCOBA, we remain committed to advancing health security and ensuring no community is left behind. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more inclusive response to mpox and future health threats.

📢 Read the full letter here: https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.org/policies-and-actions/strengthening-collaboration-for-health-security-open-letter-to-the-africa-cdc/

StandUp4BotsYouth

Recommendations for solidifying and enhancing Africa CDC and civil society engagement, to maintain effective partnerships and enhance our collective response to the mpox outbreak and future responses.

02/14/2025

🌍 SOCOBA at the UN: Engaging with UNGA President on Civil Society’s Role in Global Action! 🌍

Our Co-Founder & CEO, Sego Seferian, spoke at the UN Civil Society Townhall, engaging in a critical discussion with H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79), on his priorities and the role of civil society in shaping the future.

She emphasized the urgent need for real, cross-sectoral partnerships to turn the Pact for the Future into meaningful action. Sego raised key questions on how the UN can foster tangible partnerships that effectively address health inequities, climate change, and social justice, ensuring no one is left behind. She also stressed the importance of enhancing multilateral cooperation to tackle interconnected crises, including health pandemics, economic inequality, and climate change.

SOCOBA remains committed to working alongside global partners to drive inclusive solutions and advocate for a future where sustainable development, stability, and human dignity are accessible to all.

📺 Watch the full discussion here: http://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1l/k1lzgws0ep

The Civil Society Unit in the UN Department of Global Communications organizes this two-part Civil Society Townhall on 12 February 2025. Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division will moderate.