11 Apr 2017

The University of Botswana School of Nursing, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, will host a public lecture to be addressed by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dorcas Makgato on April 20 at the University of Botswana Conference Centre.

A press release from the University of Botswana School of Nursing states that the lecture will address various health challenges faced by the nation such as various social determinants of health (health literacy, access to healthcare promotion and services, environmental health, poverty, gender inequality, the increasing prevalence of existing and emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs), inadequate health personnel and harmful cultural practices.

The theme of the day is "Social determinants of health: Time for Action."

The release says the lecture will serve to educate and raise community awareness about public health issues that affect the nation and how the community can actively take part in curbing these challenges.

The release continues to say the lecture will illustrate the importance of self and family care, inclusive and appropriate health care services and other relevant community structures for comprehensive health coverage.

The release further states that the sub-Saharan Africa health sector landscape has in the recent years been challenged with emerging and re-emerging diseases, high prevalence of non communicable diseases (NCDs) and the “collision” of NCDs and infectious diseases.

Furthermore the release states that in 2005, NCDs accounted for 23 per cent of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, and that the deaths are expected to increase at much higher rates than those due to infectious diseases.

The public lecture will begin at 6pm and will be attended by policy-makers, members of the diplomatic missions in Botswana, civil society organisations, academicians and students. ENDS