14 Apr 2021

The United States Embassy in partnership with Rutgers University, University of Botswana and the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Tuesday launched a P 1 750 000 grant towards creation of a clinical telehealth programme in Botswana. 

 Speaking during the launch, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said the need for a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic had catalyzed a unique partnership among the entities.

  The initiative, he said, would assist in advancing Botswana’s national health priorities.

Such priorities included strengthening specialty knowledge as well as co-managing complex non-communicable and infectious diseases, said Dr Dikoloti.

He said it would also organise and strengthen Botswana’s health information technology and digital infrastructure.

The minister explained that the goal was to equip facilities with health information technology platforms offering real time virtual connections to academic and distance learning institutions as well as workforce development training.

It would support distance learning, telementoring and telemedicine, he said.

Another speaker, US Embassy acting deputy chief of mission, Mr David Krzywda, said the programme was more than just a partnership but as a symbol of America’s dedication to global health.

The partnership would enhance educational opportunities in both the United States and Botswana, as academics from both countries would easily collaborate in research, he said. 

On the telehealth programme, Mr Krzywda said it would benefit the partnering institutions, medical practitioners and Batswana at large. 

He said it came at the right time of COVID-19 when social distancing was mandatory.

The innovative tools used would address some of the most pressing challenges of the local health system, he said.

Mr Krzywda said in future, patients would be able to have normal check-ups on their cellphones while medical professionals would be able to offer extra services in rural areas.

Meanwhile a US Embassy media release says the programme will also strengthen existing medical and higher education partnerships between the two countries.

 “The project supports the government of Botswana’s pandemic mitigation efforts to remote and under-resourced communities across the country and establishes a framework to strengthen health systems through telehealth and expanded educational opportunities,” explains the release.   

  The release explains that funding focuses on improving the quality, safety, effectiveness, and delivery of medical treatment, care and prevention covering COVID-19, TB and HIV as well as setting the groundwork for treatment of other diseases such as cancer and diabetes.  

 Funding will be used to expand virtual learning and resources for UB health professions programmes as well as  ministry  healthcare workforce. 

 The grant will also build a telehealth network of clinical experts and create a framework to establish four clinical sites in Francistown, Gaborone, Maun, and Serowe. 

  In addition, it will assist in utilising health information technology to forecast, prevent and control old/new epidemics (COVID-19, H1N1, SARS)as well as infectious and non-communicable diseases. ends