The magnitude and frequency of disease outbreaks and health emergencies in Africa, coupled with the expansion of diseases such as cholera, Ebola Virus Disease, and Lassa fever, underscore the urgent need for robust preparedness and capacity building among WHO AFRO Member States. Furthermore, persistent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, meningitis, and yellow fever, along with zoonotic diseases such as Rift Valley fever and anthrax, highlight the importance of maintaining operational readiness.

The adverse effects of climate change and extreme weather patterns further exacerbate these challenges, calling for sustained preparedness, operational readiness, and continuous capacity building across WHO Member States. Botswana, like other Member States, faces risks from diseases and public health emergencies at district, national, and international levels. These events pose significant threats to human and animal populations, resulting in severe health challenges and socio-economic consequences both within the country and the region.

In response to these risks, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Review Committee recommended in its 2016 World Health Assembly (WHA) report (WHA A69/21) that Member States develop National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) to address identified gaps in IHR capacities. To align with these recommendations, Botswana embarked on the development of its NAPHS from July 29 to August 2, 2024, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening and sustaining IHR core capacities.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to essential tools and resources such as the NAPHS Toolkit, Planning Matrix, Benchmark Tool, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tracker. These tools facilitated the creation of a first draft of Botswana’s NAPHS and the agreement on next steps to ensure its successful implementation.
Botswana conducted its first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of IHR core capacities in 2017, assessing 19 technical areas. The findings informed the development of the country’s first five-year NAPHS (2019–2024). However, a review in September 2022 revealed a low implementation rate of 31%. With technical support from the WHO Country Office and WHO AFRO, Botswana conducted its second JEE, starting with an internal evaluation from November 6–10, 2023, followed by an external evaluation in March 2024. The key priority actions identified in the 2024 JEE report formed the foundation of activities within the NAPHS template, aimed at improving future IHR scores.

The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Oratile Mfokeng Selei, Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Juliet Bataringaya, Officer-in-Charge at the WHO Country Office. Both emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and political commitment to strengthening Botswana’s health security. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Thebeyame Macheke, Acting Director of the Botswana Public Health Institute, and Dr. Bataringaya, both of whom reiterated their satisfaction with the progress made and pledged continued support for the NAPHS process. The meeting brought together 56 participants from various sectors, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Prisons Department, and partners such as the US CDC, USAID, Africa CDC, and the Red Cross. This diverse representation underscored the value of intersectoral collaboration and country ownership in developing and implementing the NAPHS.

The NAPHS is designed as a coordination platform, fostering collaboration across sectors and aligning with existing health policies, strategies, and operational plans at all administrative levels. Its implementation will be coordinated by the Botswana Public Health Institute under the Ministry of Health, in partnership with other ministries and sectors, in line with the provisions of IHR (2005). To ensure effective oversight, a multi-sectoral technical working group (IHR TWG) for health security has been established. This group will report to the proposed National Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee for Health Security (IHR NSC), which will oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the NAPHS.

Botswana’s NAPHS exemplifies a strategic approach to strengthening health security through intersectoral collaboration, comprehensive planning, and alignment with national and international frameworks. By prioritizing resilience and readiness, Botswana is poised to safeguard the health, lives, and livelihoods of its people, while contributing to regional and global health security efforts.