AGP Executive Report

Pharma Supply Boost: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has cleared CFAO Healthcare’s plan to buy a 75% stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—an important move for medicine availability and competition in the supply chain. Cancer Care Investment: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are receiving new radiotherapy equipment, funded through the sugar content tax on beverages—linking public health spending to cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Public Health Priority—Safe Water: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—highlighting the need for stronger water and sanitation systems. Diabetes & Heart Medicines Donation: Athlone received a medical consignment including drugs for high blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol-related conditions and diabetes—supporting care during ongoing medicine shortages. Debt Pressure Watch: Botswana is again in the spotlight for the fastest-growing government debt surge, raising questions about what mounting borrowing means for households and health-linked public services. Conservation & Wellness Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen conservation monitoring and visitor education—supporting sustainable tourism that can benefit local livelihoods.

Pharma Market Move: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has given unconditional approval for French healthcare group CFAO Healthcare to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—an expansion aimed at strengthening the country’s medicine supply chain. Drug Access Support: Athlone Hospital in Lobatse received a medication consignment for conditions including hypertension, cholesterol-related illnesses and diabetes, as Farouk Ismail Group cited ongoing community support amid drug shortages. Cancer Care Investment: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are set to receive new radiotherapy equipment funded through the Sugar Content Tax, with the first low-energy machine expected to be operational by end of June—highlighting how health taxes can translate into treatment capacity. Safe Water Warning: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—reinforcing the need for safer water and sanitation. Community Health & Inclusion: Botswana’s LGBTQI+ legal progress continues as unconstitutional criminal provisions are formally repealed, a change that can improve access to healthcare and reduce fear of reporting violence. Sports & Youth: Isaac Makwala has launched a foundation to support young people through sport, education and mentorship, with a public launch in Gaborone on 19 June.

Pharma Market Watch: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has given unconditional approval for French healthcare group CFAO Healthcare to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—clearing a key move to expand Botswana’s medicines supply chain. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation, alongside African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, is continuing cancer capacity-building across Africa through hundreds of oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness materials tied to World Cancer Day. Livestock Health Policy: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the outbreak in the northeast; movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived fresh products is now allowed under veterinary permits and seals. Nutrition & Food Safety Talk: A viral social media clip about pork trotters at a South African butchery sparked debate on nutrition benefits and risks of eating pig’s feet. Water Safety: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for safer water and sanitation. Health Tech & Access: In Zimbabwe, a radiotherapy equipment upgrade at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa is underway, funded via a sugar content tax—aimed at reducing delays and high costs for cancer treatment.

Job insecurity in mining: Al Jazeera reports on a year since a Debswana contractor, Motshwegwa Rakhudu, was retrenched after 14 years, describing sudden job loss, unpaid compensation and mounting debt—highlighting how precarious contract work can quickly turn into health and household crises. Health-linked charity and access: Botswana’s 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July) will honour Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and is framed around “Sports and Tourism: Driving Health, Culture,” with support areas including education, healthcare, youth rehabilitation and poverty alleviation. Livestock disease controls: Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppression of the outbreak in the north-east, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products—important for food security and livelihoods. Water safety warning: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—an urgent reminder for Botswana’s water and sanitation planning. Tobacco control push: Botswana is urged to fast-track tobacco control regulations as a new report warns of rising industry influence.

Climate & health risks: South Africa’s recent storms and heat waves are being linked to global warming, with experts warning that even when extreme weather can be forecast, its intensity in specific places can still surprise communities—raising concerns for lives, housing, roads and utilities. Cancer care funding: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo Central Hospital is set to receive new radiotherapy equipment, funded through a sugar content tax on beverages, aiming to cut the need for costly treatment abroad and reduce long waiting lists. Safe water crisis: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure, poor sanitation and climate pressure. Livestock disease control: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing more movement of cloven-hoofed animals under veterinary permits—important for food security and trade. HIV prevention: South Africa plans to roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, to hundreds of clinics, targeting high-burden areas to reduce new infections. Community inclusion: A report highlights how telecoms like Safaricom and Vodacom are improving digital access for persons with disabilities—relevant as more health and services go online.

De Beers Deal Watch: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman as it weighs options to increase its stake in De Beers, with diamonds still driving about 80% of export earnings and a quarter of GDP—at a time when prices are under pressure from lab-grown competition and weaker demand. Livestock Health Update: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the northeastern outbreak; movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products is now allowed under veterinary permits and seals, supporting recovery in a sector that faces major revenue risks. Safe Water Alert: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate stress. HIV Prevention Rollout (Regional): South Africa plans to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, targeting high-burden areas through rollout to hundreds of clinics. Conservation & Health Link: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen monitoring and visitor education, supporting long-term animal health and safety. Public Health in Conflict Zones: Kuwait reported one death and 63 injuries after an airport strike, with health services treating severe trauma and smoke inhalation.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, at 360 clinics, with Ramaphosa expected to officially roll it out—an important regional signal for Botswana’s own HIV prevention planning. Cancer Care Funding Link: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are receiving new radiotherapy equipment funded through the Sugar Content Tax, turning a beverage tax into tangible cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Safe Water Warning: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa—relevant for Botswana’s water safety and sanitation priorities. FMD Controls Eased: Botswana has relaxed Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products—good news for livelihoods and trade. Xenophobia and Health Impacts: A new commentary questions why South African business leaders stay silent during xenophobic violence, highlighting knock-on risks to healthcare workers, workers’ livelihoods, and regional economic stability. Child Protection Alarm: A Zimbabwe case where an 11-year-old gave birth amid alleged abuse spotlights urgent gaps in child protection and safeguarding systems. LGBTQI+ Rights: Botswana’s formal repeal of outdated criminal provisions is framed as a mental health and access-to-care turning point for LGBTQI+ people.

LGBTQI+ Rights Update: Botswana moves to formally repeal criminal provisions tied to LGBTQI+ identity, aligning the law with constitutional dignity and helping people seek healthcare and report violence without fear. Safe Water Watch: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Cancer Care Funding Link: Zimbabwe’s radiotherapy upgrade plan ties proceeds from a sugar content tax to new cancer equipment, with early deliveries already underway—an example of how health taxes can translate into treatment capacity. FMD Control Changes: Botswana eases Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products to support livelihoods while keeping veterinary oversight. Boy Child & Mental Health: Botswana’s First Lady calls for stronger support for boys alongside girls, while nurses warn that neglect and “stoicism culture” can worsen men’s mental health and delay care. Regional Health Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly pushed South Africa to source FMD vaccines from Argentina, risking export and vaccination programme delays.

Infectious-disease risk at mass gatherings: With the 2026 World Cup drawing millions of fans and teams into the U.S., public health experts are warning that weakened disease surveillance could leave populations more exposed to outbreaks like Ebola and measles. Livestock health and trade: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the northeastern outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products—good news for farmers and export planning. Regional vaccine supply pressure: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s FMD vaccination, forcing procurement of vaccines from Argentina and raising the stakes for timely regional disease control. Men’s mental health push: Botswana’s First Lady and the Botswana Nurses Union are urging stronger support for boys and men, including mental health education and earlier help-seeking, warning neglect and “stoicism culture” can fuel future harm. Child protection alarm: A Zimbabwe case involving an 11-year-old giving birth after alleged abuse highlights ongoing gaps in child protection and the health and social fallout of poverty. HIV prevention progress (regional): South Africa plans to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to hundreds of clinics.

FMD Relief for Botswana’s Beef Sector: Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after the northeastern outbreak was suppressed, allowing cloven-hoofed animal movement within affected zones under veterinary permits and seals, plus regulated movement of fresh products; officials warned 2026 revenue losses could have exceeded N$222 million without the recovery. FMD Vaccine Supply Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s FMD vaccination deliveries, forcing South Africa to source matched vaccines from Argentina—an issue that can ripple into regional trade and food security. HIV Prevention Rollout (Regional Watch): South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned for hundreds of clinics—relevant for Botswana as the region watches new prevention options. Child Health & Protection Alarm (Neighbouring Zimbabwe): A Bulawayo-area case where an 11-year-old gave birth after alleged abuse has reignited calls for stronger child protection and mental health support systems. Men’s Mental Health Push: Botswana’s First Lady and nurses’ union leaders urged more support for boys and men, warning that neglect and “stoicism culture” can worsen suicide risk and future social instability.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine disruption: South Africa says production interruptions at Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) forced it to source FMD vaccines from Argentina, disrupting vaccination and costing export earnings during a severe outbreak. HIV prevention breakthrough: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to 360 clinics with Botswana among first beneficiary countries. Child protection alarm in Zimbabwe: An 11-year-old in Bulawayo reportedly gave birth after alleged habitual sexual abuse, reigniting urgent calls for stronger safeguarding and support systems. Men’s mental health push in Botswana: Botswana’s First Lady Kaone Boko urged balanced child development, while nurses’ leaders warned that “stoicism culture” keeps men from care despite men making up most global suicides. Women in mining networking: Zimbabwe’s ZASWMA highlighted regional empowerment work, including participation in a WiMBO Pitso conference in Gaborone. Regional health and safety angle: Kuwait reported one death and 63 injuries after Iranian drones and missiles hit Kuwait International Airport, prompting flight suspensions and emergency response. Harmful alcohol patterns: A new Africa-wide alcohol consumption ranking flags high intake in several countries, raising public health concerns around harmful drinking.

Men’s Mental Health: Botswana First Lady Kaone Boko urged stronger support for the boy child, warning that neglect can fuel future violence and marginalisation; Botswana Nurses Union leaders also cautioned that “stoicism culture” keeps men from seeking care, noting men account for nearly 80% of global suicides and calling for open conversations, therapy normalisation and peer support. Child Rights & Safeguarding: The UNICEF Botswana CEOs Council for Child Rights Forum in Gaborone highlighted the need to pair girls’ empowerment with targeted interventions for boys, including early mental health education and emotional literacy. FMD Vaccine Supply Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination programme, forcing South Africa to source alternative doses from Argentina and potentially costing Botswana export earnings. Women in Mining: Zimbabwe’s ZASWMA backed women miners’ empowerment through regional collaboration, including participation in the Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) Pitso conference in Gaborone. Gender Equality in Sport: The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee hosted the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, focusing on women’s leadership, safeguarding, athlete welfare and health policies. Albinism Awareness: A new piece revisited albinism’s lifelong health and social impacts, including visual impairment, skin cancer risk and stigma, and pointed to human-rights advocacy efforts.

Public Health & Safety: Kuwait International Airport was hit in an Iranian missile and drone attack, killing one and injuring 63, with Kuwait’s Health Ministry reporting severe trauma cases and hospitals handling major emergencies; flights were suspended and later resumed from another terminal. Regional Health Security: The wider US–Iran escalation around the Strait of Hormuz included strikes on Qeshm Island and repeated drone activity, raising risks for medical access, emergency response, and regional health services. Botswana-Linked Maritime Risk: US forces disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker (M/T Lexie) with a Hellfire strike after warnings were ignored, underscoring how Botswana-linked shipping routes can be pulled into conflict with potential spillover effects on safety and health. Mental Health & Child Wellbeing: Botswana’s First Lady urged stronger support for the boy child, warning that neglect can fuel future violence and marginalisation, while nurses’ union leaders highlighted men’s mental health and the need to normalise early help-seeking. Tobacco Control: Botswana was urged to fast-track tobacco control regulations as a new report warns of rising industry influence. Sports Safeguarding & Health: ZOC hosted the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with agenda items including athlete welfare, maternity rights, safe sport systems, and safeguarding mechanisms.

Tobacco Control Push: Botswana has been urged to urgently finalise and implement regulations under the Tobacco Control Act (2021) as a new 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index report warns of rising industry influence, especially through vaping and newer nicotine products. Polio Vaccination Drive: Bulawayo has started a four-day polio vaccination campaign targeting all children under five after a circulating vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (CVDPV2) outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with synchronized efforts across neighbouring countries including Botswana. Boys’ Mental Health Warning: Botswana’s First Lady Kaone Boko called for stronger support for empowering the boy child, warning that neglect can fuel future violence and marginalisation; the Botswana Nurses Union also cautioned that “stoicism culture” keeps many men from seeking mental health care. Regional Health Supply Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease vaccine supply, forcing South Africa to source alternative doses from Argentina and contributing to costly delays. Community Wellness: IrunWithThemba’s end-of-month community run highlighted how group exercise can support health while also building social connection and support networks.

Polio Alert: Bulawayo kicks off a four-day polio vaccination drive for children under five after a circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 (CVDPV2) outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with vaccination points ranging from clinics and hospitals to schools, markets, churches, bus termini and house-to-house outreach. Tobacco Control Push: Botswana is urged to urgently finalise and implement Tobacco Control Act (2021) regulations as a new 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index flags rising industry influence, especially targeting young people through vaping and newer nicotine products. Food Prices & Health Costs: Rising inflation and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions are tightening cattle supply and pushing up beef prices in Botswana, adding pressure to household nutrition and spending. Governance & Health Access: Botswana plans anti-corruption reforms, including a new Anti-Corruption Bill and moves to strengthen the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), with officials warning corruption drains money meant for services like medicine and classrooms. Regional Health Security: A “One Health” message from the World Bank stresses coordinated action across human, animal and environmental health, arguing that protecting the environment is central—not optional.

Polio Alert: A four-day polio vaccination drive has started in Bulawayo, targeting all children under five after a circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 (CVDPV2) outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with vaccination sites ranging from clinics and hospitals to schools, churches, markets, bus termini and house-to-house outreach. Tobacco Control Push: Botswana has been urged to urgently finalise and implement Tobacco Control Act (2021) regulations as a new report flags rising tobacco and nicotine industry influence, especially through vaping and newer nicotine products aimed at young people. Hospital Staff Rights: Botswana’s High Court has halted restructuring at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) after a dispute involving the Botswana Nurses Union, with the court ordering that changes pause while a related case is finalised. Rabies Support: Chobe Holdings donated 300 rabies vaccines to North West District Council amid a deadly outbreak and shortages of essential medical supplies. GBV and Mental Health: Botswana Defence Force leadership has warned against gender-based violence and femicide, linking rising incidents to relationship breakdowns and calling for counselling and stronger discipline. One Health Reminder: A World Bank official stressed that protecting human and animal health requires coordinated action that also treats the environment as a root cause, not an afterthought.