26 Jun 2013

 The visiting South Sudan health minister, Dr Michael Hussein says the health care delivery system in Botswana is impressive.

Dr Hussein and his delegation who visited Thamaga health care catchment facilities said on June 25 that “even the minimum health facility has access to basic medical, postnatal, pediatric and psychiatric care.”

 The South Sudan health minister said Botswana’s HIV/AIDS programme is well organised under the Office of the President. 

The delegation visited Thamaga health primary hospital, Gakgatla clinic and a mobile stop clinic to get firsthand information on Botswana’s health services delivery.

He said their mission in Botswana is to inform efforts by South Sudan government to reform and bring new life to health provisions following cessation from mainland Sudan and decades of civil strife which crippled amenities and service provision.

Dr Hussein said he was impressed by the availability of oxygen at health posts whereas at Juba such amenities are possible at referral hospitals.

During the tour of Gakgatla health post and mobile stop, Minister of Health Dr John Seyakgosing and officials informed the delegation about community participation in raising funds to build structures used as mobile stops.

They were also informed about government efforts and interventions such as provision of ARVs and routine testing in fighting HIV/AIDS scourge, adding that such testing had enabled 60 per cent of the population to know their status and get early treatment.

 Political commitment was also hailed as a critical factor in the success of HIV/AIDS testing and reduction in infection rate. ENDS