The first AIDS case in Botswana was reported in 1985. By the year 2000 the country was experiencing one of the severest HIV/AIDS epidemic on the continent. The governments' initial response was to start a National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and a short Term Plan. Government of Botswana developed a National HIV/AIDS Policy in 1993. Following this came the medium Term Plan I (MTPI) which placed response to the epidemic on the Health Sector at the district level. At the end of the implementation of the MTPI it was realised that there was a need to shift to a multi-sectoral approach. The Medium Term Plan II sought to involve all sectors in the implementation monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS related programmes in order to increase awareness and generate a feeling of ownership of the programme.In 2000 the government established National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA). National AIDS Council was chaired by the Minister of Health. In 1999 the President of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Mogae declared HIV/AIDS a national emergency and is now chairing the National AIDS Council. Sector committees chaired by Permanent Secretaries were also established the same year. District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committees (DMSAC's) are chaired by District Commissioners/Council Secretary.