Maatla, meaning “strength” in Setswana, is a five-year project designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society to effectively address HIV and AIDS in Botswana. Maatla was designed to help Botswana achieve the goals outlined in the national HIV/AIDS strategy by strengthening the capacity of civil society to support the delivery of services for HIV and other health challenges. FHI 360 builds the technical and organizational capacity of national and district organizations, which help improve the ability of local organizations to respond effectively to HIV and AIDS.

Maatla helps ensure the sustainability of HIV interventions by strengthening the Botswana Network of AIDS Service Organizations — the government’s primary agency that coordinates with civil society organizations — and the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations — the national representative agency for civil society and organizational capacity building within the country.

FHI 360, through the support and funding of the U.S. Agency for International Development/Botswana, is the lead implementing partner under Maatla and works in collaboration with the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower; the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors; the Ngamiland Council of Non-governmental Organizations; and the World University Service of Canada to support the program’s activities. FHI 360 implements activities at both the national level and in four districts: Chobe, Ghanzi, Ngamiland and Okavango.