27 Jun 2023

Botswana and Baylor College of Medicine’s (Botswana-Baylor) partnership has spent over P516 million in the fight against HIV over the last 20 years.

This was revealed on Monday by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi when delivering a keynote address during the Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellences (Botswana-Baylor) 20th anniversary celebration dinner.

President Masisi expressed gratitude for all positive results derived from the partnership with Baylor College of Medicine in fighting and combating HIV and cancer in children since June 2003.

Although the country’s greatest need was on children’s care, President Masisi said, there were other partners covering the adult care cascade. He also hailed Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and Texas Children’s Hospital for the contribution and support through provision of the much needed expertise in the training and mentoring of paediatricians in Botswana.

He also said they supported government with technical expertise in policy formulation and guided strategic direction of the care of children.

“Over P225 million of these resources or 44 per cent came from the government of Botswana while the rest was received from a number of partners such as Bristol Myers Squibb

Foundation, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, United States government, United Nations Children Fund, the private sector and many others,” he said.
The skills, he said, were required to achieve the country’s knowledge-based economy initiative, stressing that the partnership was appreciated.

The public private partnership between Botswana and Botswana-Baylor, President Masisi said, was a delivery model that should be emulated across all sectors. “We need to recognise that the playing field has changed and we need to do more to achieve our set goals,” he said.

President Masisi applauded former president, Dr Festus Mogae for pleading with the international community for help from the early days of dealing with HIV in the country. He added that the anniversary was also in celebration of the fruits of Dr Mogae’s leadership.

“Rre Mogae we applaud you. We will never cease to thank you for that transformational effort and exemplary leadership that we associate with completely,” he added.

President Masisi noted that during the early days, HIV it killed many people and decimated the country’s economy, reversing the gains made since independence in 1966.

With the advent of COVID-19, President Masisi said government had to review its mandate and come up with the Reset Agenda which had five priorities.

“I identified mind-set change as a key strategy that will help us deliver better lives for Batswana. I’m happy to announce the work is in line with our national agenda,” he said.

In his welcome remarks, Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, expressed gratitude that the excellent work that Botswana-Baylor, together with technical and strategic partners, managed to help position Botswana as a leader in healthcare provision.

Giving a vote of thanks, Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng said the  event was a special occasion that acknowledged and recognised the Botswana-Baylor relationship and cooperation.

“In this relationship, as Botswana and Batswana, we have greatly benefited. More importantly, we appreciate a partnership that is not only people centric, but a lifesaving intervention geared towards children’s health,” he said.

Such strong, enduring partnerships, Minister Morwaeng said, was rare to sustain for many years with commitment and solidarity. He commended the Baylor team for availing their expertise.

He said the cooperation and partnership should be strengthened, supported and cemented. Ends