24 Jun 2025

In a move aimed at strengthening Botswana’s readiness to tackle public health threats, the Ministry of Health has launched the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Guidelines.

The guidelines mark a significant leap forward in enhancing the country’s disease detection and response capabilities. Delivering keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Health, Acting Secretary for Specialised Health Care, Dr Kealibile Segadimo described the EBS guidelines as a strategic shield’ to safeguard the nation’s health system against emerging diseases and emergencies.

“In an era where health threats know no borders, these guidelines represent Botswana’s unwavering commitment to proactive and preventive health security,” Dr Segadimo stated.

He further said the guidelines were not merely a policy document, but a practical tool to protect the wellbeing of every Motswana. He explained that the EBS system had been designed to detect early warning signs of potential health threats, such as unusual clusters of disease, unexplained deaths, or new syndromes, enabling swift, science-driven interventions before such incidents could escalate into full-blown crises. Dr Segadimo stressed the urgency of implementing the EBS guidelines, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the devastating cost of delayed detection and response.

“These guidelines arrive at a critical time, they enhance our capability to act quickly, saving lives and minimizing health and economic impacts,” he said.

He further highlighted that the new system complements the country’s existing Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework by providing an additional layer of vigilance at the community level. Furthermore, he said it empowered health workers to identify and report unusual health events promptly, ensuring rapid resource mobilisation and expertise.

“To our District Health Management Teams and frontline health workers, these guidelines are your tools, the success of this initiative ultimately rests in your hands,” Dr Segadimo added, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare workers in making the system effective.

The guidelines were developed by a multi-disciplinary technical team led by the Botswana Public Health Institute, with support from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The collaborative approach ensured alignment with international best practices while addressing Botswana’s unique public health landscape. Africa CDC Southern Region Director, Dr Lul Riek reaffirmed unwavering support for Botswana’s efforts.

“The EBS system is the backbone of health security, enabling Botswana to strengthen its health system to safeguard the wellbeing of communities and build a united front against epidemics and emerging health challenges,” he said.

The launch, attended by health professionals, international partners, and government officials, marked the culmination of a nationwide collaboration effort to enhance Botswana’s early warning and response mechanisms, laying the foundation for a more resilient and responsive health system. ENDS