29 Aug 2023

Government is determined to achieve the health aspirations of Vision 2036, which highlight the attainment of improved healthcare services for the betterment of the citizenry, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Welcoming WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus during a courtesy call at the Office of the President on Monday, President Masisi said the country had made strides in improving its diagnostic and laboratory systems particularly in capacity building.

“It is pleasing to note that Botswana has been on an upward trajectory in developing human capital which will yield positive results in delivering quality health services to the community,” President Masisi said.

On other issues, President Masisi said global solidarity and the need to share experiences and successes in pursuit of good health and well-being of the populace were important aspects of establishing a healthy community.

In that regard, he said, Botswana would never shy away from co-investing and creating partnerships with like-minded organisations as was the case in designating the Botswana National HIV Reference Laboratory as a WHO Collaborating Centre of Excellence.

The collaboration, he said, would recognise the laboratory’s excellence in the field of HIV diagnosis, and the potential of deeper collaboration with WHO in advancing the health and well-being of people living with HIV.

President Masisi also said it was commendable for Botswana to have achieved the 'silver tier' status which moved the country closer to eliminating Mother-to-Child HIV (MTCT) transmission.

WHO awards the status to countries which have brought MTCT rate to under five per cent. “Such achievements are testament that government is making significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and I am cognisant [of the fact] that the support from the global fund will make the achievement sustainable,” President Masisi said.

To further emphasise government’s commitment towards improving the health care sector, President Masisi hailed the country’s aspirations to house CTL Amedica Africa headquarters, saying it would position the country as a global leader in spine technology as well as improve the socio-economic development and the livelihoods of Batswana. CTL Amedica is a medical device designer, developer and manufacturer of spinal fusion and fixation products, including innovative surface technologies and exclusive biomaterials.

For his part, Dr Ghebreyesus applauded Botswana for milestones achieved, particularly in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

He said the country was a living testament of how to deal with a pandemic.

He also commended government for facilitating the hosting of the 73rd session of the WHO regional committee for Africa. ENDS