Community Health Advisor

Bring your passion for public health to strengthen community‑based services across Botswana.

The UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets are part of the global strategy to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. While Botswana has made notable progress towards meeting this target—demonstrated by declining adult HIV prevalence and its recognition as the first country to achieve WHO Gold Tier status for eliminating mother‑to‑child transmission of HIV—there is still much work to be done. Yet challenges remain; over 10,000 people still do not know their HIV status, more than 18,000 are not adhering to treatment, and 2% of those on ART are not virally suppressed. Women and adolescent girls remain disproportionately affected, and stigma continues to limit access to services.

As a Community Health Advisor, you will work directly with schools and local health facilities to expand health education, encourage HIV testing and linkage to care, and promote healthy behaviors. Alongside community health workers, you will strengthen the delivery of youth‑friendly services and reinforce treatment adherence through community‑centered approaches. Your support will help build healthier communities and create lasting improvements in access to care.

Bachelor's degree in public health, community health, social sciences, or a related field.
AND
Two or more years of relevant work experience in public health, preferably in one of the following areas: maternal health, infant and child health, nutrition, malaria control, and the prevention and care for tuberculosis (TB) or HIV/AIDS.

During training, Volunteers will have a private room within a host family’s house. After training, Volunteers will move to their assigned sites in one of the country’s 10 districts and can expect either a private room or a small, private house on the host family’s compound. The Volunteer should be prepared for limited or unreliable electricity and water in these rural areas. Public transportation via a mini-bus, bus, or taxi will allow the Volunteer to travel to larger towns if needed.

Build real-world public health experience by connecting people to essential care and driving healthier outcomes at the grassroots level.

Deepen your understanding of HIV/AIDS and the health challenges affecting young people and communities across Africa.

Learn Setswana from skilled language and intercultural facilitators.

Coordinate and deliver community health education sessions.
Train health service providers on delivering youth‑friendly services.

Facilitate demand‑creation activities for HIV testing, linkage to care, and referral services.
Conduct peer support groups for youth at schools.

Assist community health workers with home visits and outreach work.

Support health education delivery with age-appropriate lessons and engaging activities that reinforce key health messages.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as tutoring students in English and math or facilitating a reading club at a nearby school.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a semi-urban or rural community where you will collaborate with clinics, nonprofits, primary health care offices, and youth groups to assess the needs and develop a work plan.

Peace Corps/Botswana will equip you with Setswana language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn Ikalanga, Simbukushu, or Sekgalagari based on your site placement.