15 Dec 2021

Debswana’s donation of medical PPE to Boteti District Health Management Team (DHMT) signifies the need for integrated efforts in the COVID-19 fight, says Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines general manager Mr Mogakolodi Maoketsa.

Handing over the donation in Orapa on Tuesday, Mr Maoketsa emphasised the importance of collective efforts if any gains were to be made against the pandemic.

He said the PPE would go a long way in supporting DHMT in the fight against COVID-19 particularly with the current surge in cases fuelled by the new variant, Omicron.

Mr Maoketsa said Debswana endeavoured to support government in improving community health and wellness including collaboration in the fight against COVID-19.

He revealed that Orapa Mine Hospital services had been streamlined towards COVID-19 treatment and patient care.

The Debswana boss attributed the vaccination milestones reached to his company’s contributions which included establishment of COVID-19 inoculation sites within Orapa.

About 90 per cent of the target population, comprising employees, business partners and communities were fully vaccinated, he said.

The donated gloves, sanitizers, coveralls  and masks are essential for protecting health care workers while test kits will  help in detecting cases and undertaking timely isolation as well as contact tracing to curb the spread of the disease.

Also part of the donation were oximeters which will help those on home isolation and the hospitalised who required high level of care.

For his part, chief medical officer Dr Baagi Motshereganyi said his office, Orapa Mine Hospital and Boteti DHMT shared the common goal of striving to ensure healthy lives and promoting wellbeing within the district.

“We are fighting a common enemy and we are aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number three,” he said. Ends