18 May 2025

More than 6 000 participants gathered for the Run for Health event in Gaborone on Saturday .

The run, organised by SKMTH in partnership with Fearless Fitness Club and other sponsors, aimed to raise awareness about the growing threat of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Botswana while promoting physical fitness and mental wellbeing. The event also marked the commemoration of World Hypertension Day. Featuring 5km, 10km, and 21km fun run categories and  attracted a diverse crowd of all ages and fitness levels, from elite runners to casual walkers, all united under the common cause of healthier living.  

Acting minister of Health, Mr Lawrence Ookeditse hailed community-driven health initiatives as key to fighting the surge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). He emphasised the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating, and preventative health care in building a healthier nation. Mr Ookeditse, who also took part in the run, applauded the event’s turnout and impact.

“The run is not just a symbol of awareness, but a call to action,” he said, further saying regular exercise, a balanced diet, and timely health screenings were vital in reducing the burden of NCDs in the society.

 In an interview with SKMTH Matron, Mr Rona Letlhogile, who also organised event, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the public. 

“Our goal is to inspire people to make health a priority. Seeing such a large turnout shows that the community is ready to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle,” he said. 

Mr Letlhogile also emphasised the need to instill healthy habits in the youth.

“Young people today are increasingly sedentary, we must encourage play and exercise as a way to safeguard their future health,” he urged.

Furthermore, he added that community engagement and individual responsibility were both essential in addressing lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which have overtaken infectious diseases as leading causes of death in Botswana.

 Beyond the run, participants benefitted from free health screenings, wellness booths, and educational sessions focused on nutrition, stress management, and preventative care. Services such as blood pressure and sugar checks, dietary advice, and one-on-one consultations with health professionals rounded off the day. 

Mr Letlhogile said the “Run for Health” will continue to grow as a powerful platform for mobilizing communities towards a proactive approach to health and wellness, expressing hope that such efforts will leave a lasting impact and help reverse the rising trend of lifestyle-related diseases in the country. ENDS