Following the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with reported cross-border transmission into neighbouring Uganda, countries across the African Region have intensified preparedness and response measures to reduce the risk of further spread. Recognizing the significant public health implications of the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026.

Botswana has taken an important step towards evidence-based health workforce planning through the successful implementation of a five-day Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) technical mission from 15-19 June 2026. Convened by the Ministry of Health, Department of Human Resources and Administration with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the workshop brought together national, district, and facility-level stakeholders to improve the quality, analysis, and use of health workforce data.

In response to the continued circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in neighboring countries, Botswana implemented two rounds of Polio Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) to strengthen population immunity and protect its polio-free status. The campaign was prompted by identified immunity gaps among children, sub-optimal surveillance indicators, declining routine immunization coverage in some districts, and the presence of zero-dose children who had not received any vaccinations.

Botswana has strengthened multisectoral collaboration for health security through a National Bridging Workshop that brought together experts from the human, animal and environmental health sectors to develop a joint roadmap for implementing the One Health approach. The workshop was held in Gaborone from 9 to 11 June 2026 and was supported by WHO, WOAH, FAO and the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI).

Botswana has taken a significant step towards strengthening evidence-informed health policymaking through the launch of the Botswana Data-to-Policy (D2P) Capacity Strengthening Initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Health's Health Research and Development Division with support from Vital Strategies, Bloomberg Philanthropies' Data for Health Initiative, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to support Botswana’s efforts to establish the End Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Council, a high-level multi-sectoral platform aimed at mobilizing resources, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating the elimination of malaria and NTDs in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to support the Ministry of Health in strengthening preparedness for public health emergencies and advancing disease prevention efforts across Botswana. Recent initiatives have focused on reinforcing national readiness for Ebola virus disease and supporting preparations for a nationwide schistosomiasis control campaign. 

Botswana is reinforcing its commitment to protecting public health through stronger multisectoral collaboration on tobacco control. In May 2026, government institutions, civil society organizations and development partners came together to advance efforts aimed at reducing the health and social impacts of tobacco use and preventing interference from the tobacco industry.

Botswana launched a national initiative focused on improving the coverage and quality of cause-of-death reporting. The initiative forms part of Botswana’s broader efforts to strengthen health information systems and ensure that mortality statistics provide a sound basis for evidence-informed decision-making.

Laboratory services of global repute are playing a critical role in Botswana's progress towards ending HIV as a public health threat.