11 Sep 2024

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks LLC, will with effect from September 16,  introduce a pathogen (disease causing micro-organisms)  monitoring programme at ports of entry to safeguard public health.

A press release from the ministry says the initiative is part of government’s efforts to strengthen detection of new and emerging public health threats across Botswana’s borders.

“The programme will be piloted at key entry points like Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and Kazungula One Stop Border in Kazungula. The process is designed to be quick, efficient, and non-intrusive, allowing participants to provide samples easily upon arrival,” the statement explains.

Additionally, it says waste water samples will be collected at the Botswana Meat Commission abattoir in Lobatse.

Furthermore, the statement says travellers arriving by air will have the opportunity to participate upon disembarking, while samples from those arriving by road, will also be taken at the entry point. 

The statement explains that although participation in the initiative is entirely voluntary, travellers are encouraged to participate as early detection of pathogens is meant to safeguard the health of all citizens, visitors and residents of this country. It also emphasises that the samples collected will be kept anonymous and that data collected from the samples will be vital in strengthening the country’s robust health system and response to public health threats and emergencies.

The health ministry encourages Batswana and all residents to embrace the initiative to ensure that Botswana remains a critical player in global health affairs as evidenced by its discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in 2022.

The release further says Ginkgo Bioworks LLC is an American company that specialises in bio-surveillance, biosecurity and public health capacity building.   ENDS