Botswana News

Gaborone, Botswana - 7 February 2017: World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Botswana, Dr. Martins Ovberedjo visited the SADC Secretariat to meet with the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax. 

Francistown, Botswana, 11 November 2016 -  Botswana National TB Program held Training of Trainers Workshop, in collaboration with the City of Francistown, with the objective of building a network of trainers that are skilled in training methodologies meant to improve TB Programme performance outcomes. These trainers will in turn capacitate District Health Care workers on TB management. This was necessitated by the changing landscape of TB and attrition of current trainers.

Francistown, Botswana, 17 September 2016 -- Concerned by the persistently high maternal deaths despite the high coverage of key maternal mortality reduction interventions (such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postnatal care), the Ministry of Health convened a high level two-day national summit. Stakeholders in attendance, including MOH, DHMTs, all hospitals management and professional bodies, deliberated on the high levels of maternal and newborn mortality and to propose ways and means to accelerate their reduction.

Francistown, Botswana, 15 September 2016 - The Ministry of Health in Botswana and the World Health Organization convened a three day meeting, for over 100 health sector stakeholders, including Ministry of Health (MoH) top officials, District Health Management Teams (DHMTs), partners, academia and researchers, to assess progress made in the implementation of set targets for Botswana’s malaria elimination efforts.

Botswana has successfully launched the introduction of the Measles Rubella vaccine introduction and Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) in the capital city Gaborone on Monday July 25th 2016 at a ground breaking ceremony.

8 July 2016 - The Botswana Ministry of Health continues the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The active search for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) was conducted across 10 villages (11 schools) in the Chobe district commencing from the 23rd June to 30th June 2016. In 2015, LF mapping was conducted in 6 districts (Chobe, Ngami, Okavango, Tutume, North West, and Bobonong) bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe where the disease is known to be endemic. Out of these districts LF was found only in Chobe at a prevalence of 1%.  

Gaborone, 30 June 2016 --  “An excellent surveillance and response system is key to achieving and maintaining malaria elimination”. This was the assertion of Dr Magda Robalo, WHO AFRO CDS Director  when officially opening a four-day innovative and intensive technical orientation for newly recruited district surveillance officers via video link. She commended the Government of Botswana for prioritizing surveillance and building requisite capacity.

Already a proven leader in HIV/AIDS management and control, Botswana once again blazes a new trail for the rest of the world to follow. On 3rd June 2016, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Lt. Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama launched Botswana’s Treat All Strategy. The Strategy eloquently promotes Universal Health Coverage and ensures that all who test positive get treatment no matter their viral load or CD count.

Gaborone, 26 January 2015 - The Minister of Health, Honourable Dorcas Makgato hosted the new WHO Representative Dr Martins Ovberedjo in her office today. Dr Ovberedjo was accompanied by members of the WHO country office, Dr Tebogo Madidimalo, Mrs Lucy Maribe and Mr Moagi Gaborone.

Botswana, 22 January 2015 - Gaborone, The new WR to Botswana Dr Martins OVBEREDJO presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Honourable Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi this morning.