UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has joined global leaders in mourning former Botswana President Festus Gontebanye Mogae, describing him as a courageous leader whose decisions reshaped Botswana’s response to HIV/AIDS and left a lasting mark on global health policy.
In her tribute, Byanyima said she was deeply saddened by Mogae’s death, noting that he took bold steps at a time when many leaders were hesitant to openly confront the HIV epidemic.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae. A courageous and visionary leader, he confronted HIV with honesty, science, and compassion when few dared to do so,” she said.
Mogae, who led Botswana between 1998 and 2008, is widely remembered for introducing one of Africa’s earliest and most comprehensive national HIV treatment programmes.
Under his leadership, Botswana became the first country in Africa to provide free antiretroviral treatment to all citizens, a move that significantly improved access to care and helped reduce HIV-related deaths.
Byanyima said the policy set an important example for the continent and beyond, influencing how countries responded to the epidemic.
“Under his leadership, Botswana became the first African country to launch a national, free and comprehensive HIV treatment programme—offering antiretroviral therapy to all citizens, and setting a precedent for the region and the world,” she said.
Beyond his public health legacy, Byanyima reflected on her long-standing personal and professional relationship with Mogae.
She recalled first meeting him when he served as Finance Minister in the government of President Quett Masire, describing him as thoughtful, grounded, and committed to Africa’s development.
She said Mogae strongly believed that African countries could define their own development paths without relying entirely on external models.
“He believed deeply that African countries could chart their own paths to prosperity. He was accessible, generous with his knowledge, and always ready to engage,” she said.
Byanyima also noted that during his presidency, Mogae remained consistent in character—open, reflective, and willing to engage in discussions about Africa’s future. She said he stood out for his humility and intellectual approach to leadership.
“I met him several times again during his presidency, and he remained the same man—open, curious, listening, debating Africa’s development pathways, and laughing warmly at our continent’s idiosyncrasies. A rare blend of humility and intellect,” she said.
She described him as a leader who resisted the traditional image of authority often associated with African politics, instead embracing dialogue and shared ideas.
In her message of condolence, Byanyima extended sympathy to Mogae’s family, the people of Botswana, and all those affected by his leadership, saying his contributions would continue to be felt through the lives saved by his policies.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, and to the people of Botswana. His legacy lives on in the many lives saved and changed, and in the global AIDS response he helped shape,” she said.
Byanyima concluded by mourning him both as a leader and a friend, noting that his work would remain part of Africa’s development and public health history.