Society for Children Orphaned by AIDS - SOCOBA

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.

03/09/2025

🌍✨ Celebrating International Women’s Day with Gratitude & Admiration! ✨🌍

This International Women’s Day, SOCOBA proudly honors our hardworking Board Chair Lady, Grace Koleke Tiro (aka. MmaT) —a true pillar of strength and resilience for Mabule and the surrounding villages in Botswana for over two decades.

From day one, Grace has been the rock behind our mission, advocating tirelessly for access to clean water, healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable children and families. Her unwavering leadership and deep-rooted commitment have transformed lives and uplifted entire communities.

Today, we celebrate Grace and all the incredible women who lead with courage, serve with compassion, and inspire change every single day. 💜

Join us in honoring Grace Koleke Tiro and the countless women shaping a better future!

StandUp4BotsYouth

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.

02/13/2025

02/03/2025

received a waiver to restart limited programming. Highly specific and can be canceled at any time - but a start at least. Before you get too excited… | 22 comments on LinkedIn

01/29/2025

PRESS RELEASE

US GOVERNMENT SUSPENSION OF AID IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

Like many countries across the world, Botswana has been fortunate to receive generous aid from the Government of the United States of America for many decades. In the health sector, this aid comprised funding for direct service delivery and technical support, which has over the years been instrumental to the growth of the health sector of this country. Through the support from U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US has been part and parcel of the Botswana health story. Since the introduction of PEPFAR in 2003, the health sector has cumulatively benefited support amounting to more than One Billion P**a.

The US support has been instrumental in helping Botswana to be one of the first countries in the world to reach and exceed the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets well ahead of time. As a result, many people living with HIV/AIDS in Botswana are able to live long.

With new information indicating that the US Government has suspended foreign aid, with immediate effect, the impact on the health sector of this country will definitely be felt. Many local US funded Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) implementing various health programs, have already indicated that they have been asked to suspend their operations with immediate effect. The suspension of the aid if made permanent, will indeed affect progress in the health sector, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS. Be that as it may, the Ministry wishes to assure Batswana that this development does not affect the availability of Antiretroviral (ARV) medication, because that is directly procured by the Botswana Government.

As a way forward, the Ministry will engage all stakeholders including the US Embassy in Botswana, to dialogue on how the affected services can be continued.

More updates will be made as the Ministry gathers more information and details on this issue.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully



Dr Christopher Nyanga
For Permanent Secretary

01/28/2025

🚨 Urgent: Global Health Alert for People Living with HIV 🚨

SOCOBA stands in solidarity with the global community as the World Health Organization (WHO) raises concerns about a potential global threat to people living with HIV. Ensuring access to healthcare, treatment, and protection for vulnerable communities is more critical than ever.

We urge policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates to prioritize inclusive, equitable health responses that safeguard the rights and well-being of people living with HIV. No one should be left behind.

📢 Read the full WHO statement here: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-01-2025-who-statement-on-potential-global-threat-to-people-living-with-hiv

Join the conversation. Share, support, and take action. 💙

Geneva, 28 January - The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses deep concern about the implications of the immediate funding pause for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries. These programmes provide access to life-saving HIV therapy to more than 30 million people worldwide. Globally...

01/18/2025

🌟 We are thrilled to have been part of the collaborative journey that contributed to the just-released Global Online Stakeholder Consultation Summary for the ! 🤝📝

This milestone document reflects the collective insights and shared commitment to advancing the , and it aligns deeply with our mission at SOCOBA to create equitable, sustainable futures for the most vulnerable communities.

Let’s continue working together to drive meaningful progress! 💪✨

🔗 Dive into the full summary here: http://bit.ly/25PFConsultSummary

🤝 📝 The Global Online Stakeholder Consultation to inform the is now available. Discover diverse insights driving progress towards the . Read more here 🔗 http://bit.ly/25PFConsultSummary

01/02/2025

Balancing enhanced vigilance and “business as usual.”