Botswana News

Polio remains a critical global public health concern, particularly with the resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). In Botswana, the detection of cVDPV2 in environmental surveillance in 2022 and 2023 highlighted vulnerabilities in population immunity. In response, the Botswana National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, BOTSNITAG conducted a rigorous review of scientific evidence, concluding that introducing a second IPV dose would substantially increase immunity among children under two years of age.

Botswana recognizes the global threat posed by pandemics caused by respiratory viruses, which recur unpredictably and pose significant risks to health, society, and economies. As part of the WHO Africa Region (AFRO), Botswana remains vulnerable to epidemic- and pandemic-prone diseases, including acute viral respiratory pathogens and influenza viruses. The COVID-19 and A(H1N1) pandemics underscored the severe threat posed by respiratory pathogens, exposing critical gaps in preparedness both globally and in Botswana.

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in supporting countries in strengthening their regulatory systems, and promoting equitable access to quality, safe, efficacious, affordable medical products, and health products. WHO mandated by Resolution WHA 67.20, supports countries to strengthen regulatory systems by building regulatory capacity in member states consistent with good regulatory practices and promoting regulatory cooperation, convergence and transparency through networking, work-sharing, and reliance.

Botswana is making strides in combating HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive review of its National HIV Testing Services (HTS) Guidelines, conducted with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The mission, spanning multiple sessions from June to September 2024, is a collaborative effort to align Botswana’s HIV testing strategies with the latest global recommendations, ensuring more targeted and effective intervention. 

The Multi-Country Assignment Team (MCAT) - South Africa Hub, covering South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Botswana, held a significant retreat from March 6-8, 2024. This event, hosted in South Africa, aimed to strengthen the coordination and operational modalities of MCATs to deliver strategic high-level technical assistance to these countries.

The Government of Botswana, with partners and key stakeholders supported by WHO, conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) self-assessment in a stride towards enhancing Botswana’s health security.

The Ministry of Health, WHO, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the National Laboratory Strategic Plan for Botswana. The Strategic Plan holds the promise of numerous benefits for the country. It aims to modernize and upgrade laboratory infrastructure to better standards, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of samples. By expanding and improving diagnostic services, Botswana will be better equipped to detect, diagnose, and manage diseases promptly.

The WHO-led Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) training program equips public health specialists to strengthen Botswana’s public health infrastructure. In the ever-evolving landscape of public health, timely and accurate health emergency monitoring is a vital resource to track and respond to outbreaks.