News and Events

Back in the 90s government of Botswana was grappling with the scourge of HIV/AIDS epidemic that was a public health concern until in recent years when government introduced Anti-retroviral therapy. Many strategies aimed at combating the epidemic have been introduced among them the Communities acting together to control HIV model (CATCH), Treat All strategy and the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020.

The war is almost over, though not won. Government is faced with yet another demon; the non-communicable diseases burden. These are also called silent killers since one can live for many years with the disease before they present. Such diseases include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. All these ailments have one thing in common, though they can be managed, there is no cure.

Botswana Government recently launched two strategy documents being Non-Communicable Diseases and the 3rd National Strategic Framework in response to HIV/AIDS. The event was attended by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the UNAIDS Executive Director Ms Gunilla Carlsson, senior government officials and MoHW strategic partners. During the launch His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi E. K Masisi informed attendants that NCDs are estimated to have accounted for 46% of all deaths in Botswana in 2016. “Among these deaths, 18% were due to cardiovascular diseases, 7% due to cancer, 4% due to chronic respiratory diseases, whilst 6% were due to diabetes. In this regard, Non-Communicable Diseases have to be prioritized in this country’s national development agenda”, quipped President Masisi. H.E Masisi assured Batswana that Government has been proactive in this endeavour, and efforts to address issues of NCD’s are still continuing. The President however acknowledged that more work still needs to be done. “To this end, we need to streamline funding for the NCDs and indeed develop an investment case for them”, said Masisi. Read more...