09 Dec 2021

Botswana’s vaccination progress has placed it at par with some developed countries after  surpassing many fellow African states, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti has said.

 Dr Dikoloti told a media conference in Gaborone on Wednesday that the progress marked a notable milestone  in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

  “We have now become one of the most vaccinated people in the world. The country did not only surpass its own target of having 64 per cent of the targeted population reached by the end of December 2021, but it has also exceeded the target set by WHO for countries to have vaccinated at least 40 per cent of their population by end of December 2021,” he said.

   Dr Dikoloti said as at December 6, almost 79 per cent of the target population aged 18 years and above had received the first dose while about 71 per cent had been fully vaccinated.

 By December 3, at least 45 per cent of the entire population of Botswana, currently estimated at 2.4 million, had received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

    He said despite the sluggish start of the vaccination programme owing to unavailability of vaccines at the time, it picked up quickly.

  Notwithstanding the country’s gains in the fight against the virus, Dr Dikoloti said the recently discovered Omicron variant was an existential threat to lives and to the achievements made.

  He said scientists had revealed that the new variant was responsible for the surge in cases across the world.

 “We will continue alongside all scientists across the world to keep an eye on the new variant and study its properties and behaviour,” he said.

  Minister Dikoloti urged Batswana to remain vigilant and keep adhering to COVID-19 protocols as the festive season approached.

  Acting Department of Health Services director, Dr Pamela Smith-Lawrence said the ministry had not recorded any surge in flu numbers.

  However, she said those showing flu symptoms should visit health facilities so that they could be tested.  She further encouraged all to continue wearing masks, washing hands or sanitising and social distancing.

 Also in attendance were  Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention officials who commended the country for its notable achievements in fighting and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.BOPA