Botswana News

Data from the Botswana STEP Survey of 2014 reveals a concerning reality: 50.7% of adult females in Botswana have never been screened for cervical cancer. This staggering statistic highlights a pressing public health challenge and underscores the urgent need to prioritize regular screening and early detection efforts, especially for women. Speaking during the World Cancer Day commemoration held in Takatokwane, WHO Botswana Officer in Charge, Dr.

Botswana has been losing 400 people on average annually due to road crashes.  However, the trend has been going down since the enhancement and improved implementation of the safe systems approach in the last 3 years.  New roadworks now incorporates improved pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes to improve safety and promote active mobility. The enhancements enable people to walk or run safely away from traffic, which also contributes to prevention of obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases.

The Government of Botswana conducted a Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in selected districts to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations affected by climate change. The objective was to strengthen the country’s health sector to effectively and efficiently respond to climate-related impacts.

Botswana has made remarkable strides in leprosy elimination, with zero new child cases reported for consecutive years. However, continued efforts are essential to maintain this success and address sporadic cases. The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), recently intensified post-elimination efforts in Ngami and Okavango districts.

Botswana has ramped up its commitment to malaria elimination, convening a critical workshop in Palapye from December 16–20, 2024, to finalize the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) for 2025–2029. Supported by WHO Botswana, the five-day workshop brought together health experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to develop a roadmap for achieving malaria-free status by 2029. Dr.

Botswana joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, in Tlokweng village, with His Honour the Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe lauding the country’s achievements in surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets. Botswana is recognized as a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 95% of individuals aged 15–65 living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those diagnosed on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 98% achieving viral suppression (95-98-98).

In honor of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-GBV, the WHO Botswana Country Office hosted a campaign featuring a video screening and discussion on GBV. A survivor shared a powerful story, highlighting key takeaways and exploring how WHO can contribute to ending GBV. Additionally, a pledge wall was set up for staff to write and share their commitments to addressing this issue.

The Government of Botswana observed World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 (18–24 November) under the theme, “Educate, Advocate, Act Now”, at the Machaneng Main Kgotla in the Mahalapye District on 22 November 2024.

Malaria elimination has been an agenda that the country has been pursuing for at least a decade now. During that time, the country had experienced fluctuations in malaria case numbers, some years recording increases, while others achieved case rates within elimination targets. These inconsistencies have been attributed to various factors, including the impacts of climate change on breeding seasons, programmatic weaknesses in other areas and the surveillance and Gaps in robust surveillance and timely follow up of cases.