03 Sep 2023

Rwanda Health Minister of Rwanda, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana has commended Botswana for its achievements in health and universal health coverage, especially in the country’s response to HIV.

He said this during an interview at the just ended African WHO RC73 conference.

He highlighted that in 2021, WHO certified Botswana for reaching the silver tier on the path to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and in 2022 Botswana reached the 95-95-95 targets for testing, treatment, and viral suppression of HIV.

He said he had been working closely with Botswana health minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti discussing many health areas and exchanging ideas especially that Botswana and Rwanda had worked hard to be among five countries that have attained the target against HIV/AIDS.

He pointed out that he was looking forward to keep engaging sharing their perspective and ideas for the benefit of the African health nations.

For her part Botswana Ambassador to Switzerland, Dr Athaliah Molokomme said she was humbled by the culture of Batswana’s Botho concept during the conference.

”Botswana did not disappoint at all in hosting the WHO regional conference and I salute.” Dr Nsanzimana  described the WHO conference as successful.

  He said while themes were familiar, it brought together health ministers together with many fresh thoughts provoking perspectives, therefore appreciating that countries made impactful.

 He further said he was humbled by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi engagement in the conference, saying it  which showed his commitment to the success of health sector and  the need to attain health for all.

He said Rwanda was committed to advance with African countries on the re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks by integrating one health to strengthening health systems.

He highlighted that COVID-19 was a test to the health sector for all member states, saying although lives were lost, on the other side it helped nations to find out their weaknesses in the health sector and many nations were able to deal with those weaknesses and were able to invest in strengthening capacity.

He said Rwanda in the past did not have enough oxygen supply, but since COVID-19 the supply has increased. ENDS