On the 14th of March 2025, Botswana joined the rest of the region in commemorating SADC Healthy Lifestyles Day in Goodhope under the theme: “Risk factors of today are diseases of tomorrow.”

Speaking at the event, WHO Botswana Representative Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, emphasized the urgent need to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. These lifestyle-related conditions account for 74% of global deaths and can be significantly reduced by addressing four key risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets.

Dr. Ndenzako reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Botswana in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring access to quality health services for all. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and NAHPA to strengthen health systems through a One Health and whole-of-society approach to wellbeing.