31 Jul 2014

The Assistant Minister of Health, Dr Gloria Somolekae has told parliament that large populations of birds and bats infestations in institutions could pose a health hazard that can affect immune compromised persons.

Hence she said that is why the ministry continuously works with the local authorities to ensure that appropriate pest control measures are put in place by Environment Health officers to minimise and prevent the risk of disease transmission.


Dr Somolekae further said provisions of the Public Health Act Cap 63:05 (2013) specifically section 84 stipulates that “the appropriate measures need to be undertaken to ensure that buildings, dwelling or premises are constructed so as to prevent pest harborage or breeding places which are likely to promote the spread of any disease.”


Dr Somolekae said taking in to consideration that bats exist in the ecosystem it is not possible or desirable to achieve absolute eradication of bats in the environment and hence said they have not alerted the ministry of Environment, Wildlife and tourism to this effect.

MP for Francistown West Dr Habaudi Hubona had asked the minister if she would agree that bats infestations in institutions pose a high health hazard in view of the high prevalence of immunosuppression.

She also asked what was being done to alert the Ministry of environment, Wildlife and Tourism to introduce immediate responses for the absolute eradication of bats in residential and workplaces.
 ENDS