08 May 2025

China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have officially announced the completion of a key health project in Botswana. 

The confirmation was signed at the Embassy of China in Gaborone, signaling that the project have achieved its intended goals and delivered the desired impact. The confirmation aligns with an agreement signed in February 2021, under which the Chinese government made an earmarked donation of US$500 000 through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to UNFPA. 

The funds supported the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening Botswana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing sexual and reproductive health services throughout the country. 

Speaking at a press briefing, the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, confirmed that following the necessary verifications, they have concluded that the funds were used appropriately and effectively. 

“We established a special project to assist countries in Southern Africa, including Botswana and Lesotho, in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to protect medical staff and also to support the reproductive health of women in Botswana,” said Mr Yong. 

He added that the Embassy had worked closely with the UNFPA office throughout the project’s duration and was pleased with its successful completion. 

“We hope to have more opportunities in the future to form partnerships like this,” he added. UNFPA Representative to Botswana, Ms Tlangelani Shilubane-Pietersen, expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for supporting the implementation of the initiative. 

“The initiative came during a very complex time, COVID-19, and it was critical that healthcare workers were protected from infection. We achieved this by providing them with personal protective equipment,” she said, adding that approximately 5 500 healthcare workers were reached through the initiative. 

She also noted that another key objective was to assist women and girls who were isolated and unable to access essential services such as contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies. 

“We managed to reach around 87 000 women and girls,” she said. 

“These results show what is possible when countries unite around specific priorities. We have documented this as a good practice that can be shared globally with other countries that may wish to emulate and replicate what has been achieved here in Botswana,” she said. ENDS