AGP Executive Report

Medicine Supply Crisis: Botswana’s Central Medical Stores is averaging only 42% availability of Vital, Essential and Necessary (VEN) medicines, with vital medicines at 49%, essential at 40% and necessary at 20% as of 23 September—raising fresh alarms as the Ministry targets 97% availability by December. TB Drug Accountability: The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) has escalated a TB medicines fault issue to the World Health Organisation, asking WHO to engage Indian authorities after recalled drugs were found deficient in key treatment components. Health Systems at UNGA: Universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness were highlighted together at UNGA81, with calls to strengthen primary health care, build resilient systems, and ensure community trust and equity. Sexual & Reproductive Health Innovation: UNFPA appointed Ghanaian innovation leader Sydney Hushie as Chief of its Digital Centre of Excellence, including work that has supported maternal health delivery pilots in Botswana. Wildlife, Food Safety & Public Debate: Botswana faces backlash over a licence authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with critics also pointing to concerns about consuming game meat during the foot-and-mouth disease situation.

Medicine Supply Watch: Botswana’s Central Medical Stores says Vital, Essential and Necessary (VEN) medicines are only 42% available on average, with vital at 49%, essential at 40% and necessary at 20% as of 23 September—far from the Ministry of Health target of 97% by December. TB Drug Accountability: The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) has escalated a dispute over recalled TB medicines from India to the World Health Organisation, asking WHO to engage Indian authorities over deficient treatment components after Botswana saw an unusual rise in patients failing therapy. FMD Pressure on Livestock: Lobatse feedlot operators say about 6,600 cattle remain trapped despite isolation and repeated vaccination, and they’re pushing for a World Organisation for Animal Health-backed route to market as Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions deepen financial and animal-welfare losses. Health Supply Security Partnerships: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC, aiming to improve access to essential medicines and strengthen local health supply production—Botswana is listed among participating countries. Wellness in Botswana: Great Plains is marketing “Wellness in the Wild” safari experiences across Botswana and the region, blending outdoor movement, sleep, plant-rich food and nature-based spa treatments. Community Health Needs: Masubia Traditional Authority in Muyako is calling for faster development, including a clinic completion, clean drinking water, and a border post to reduce risky animal crossings. Wildlife & Public Health Concerns: Botswana faces backlash over authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with critics warning it could undermine conservation and raise hygiene concerns amid ongoing foot-and-mouth disease worries.

WHO leadership and oncology: Botswana-backed oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan has won support from cancer societies in China, Egypt and Kazakhstan for the 2027 WHO director-general race, with backers citing his oncology experience and efforts to improve access to care. Independence celebrations under scrutiny: Botswana faces backlash after authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day feasting, with activists warning it could harm conservation and raise poaching risks—while some residents also question food safety amid foot-and-mouth disease concerns. FMD watch in the region: Namibia’s FMD response is under debate after reports that officials were warned months earlier about cattle movement from South Africa; meanwhile, Botswana’s own FMD outbreak origin is being investigated via lab testing and veterinary zone adjustments. Health workforce training (global): Merck Foundation marked World Heart Day with scholarships for healthcare providers across diabetes and cardiovascular preventive care, aiming to strengthen local capacity. Food and nutrition (local agriculture): Botswana Development Corporation received another batch of high-yield Girolando dairy cattle to scale Milk Valley Farm, targeting reduced reliance on imported milk and improved food security.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response: Namibia’s FMD outbreak is driving tighter controls and new infected zones, with officials saying samples are being tested to identify the virus strain and origin; private vets also warn surveillance teams and the pace of easing restrictions may be too slow, risking biosecurity gaps. Botswana Independence health & safety concerns: Animal rights groups and some residents are questioning Botswana’s authorisation to kill 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with added worry about game meat hygiene during ongoing FMD-related restrictions. Health systems capacity (global, with local relevance): Merck Foundation marks World Heart Day by funding diabetes and cardiovascular training scholarships for healthcare providers across multiple countries, aiming to strengthen prevention and early detection. Food security & nutrition: Botswana’s Milk Valley Farm receives another batch of high-yield Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil to boost domestic milk supply and reduce reliance on imports. Wildlife-health link: Reports from Botswana’s Okavango Delta highlight ongoing human-wildlife conflict and the health risks that come with it, including disease concerns tied to livestock and predators. WHO leadership (regional): Indonesia’s health minister is among WHO director-general candidates, pushing for a tighter focus on core mandate and country-led priorities.

Wildlife & Food Safety: Botswana is facing backlash after its Ministry of Environment and Tourism authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with animal rights groups warning it could undermine conservation and fuel poaching, while some residents also questioned eating game meat amid an ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Global Health Leadership: Botswana’s nomination of Armenian pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan has surfaced in the WHO director-general race, as the contest tightens around funding pressures and the need for integrity and focus. Malaria Financing: African leaders, including Botswana’s President Duma Boko, urged stronger domestic financing and multisectoral action to prevent malaria progress from stalling, warning that a 30% funding cut could drive major increases in cases and deaths. Cardiovascular Care: Merck Foundation marked World Heart Day by expanding diabetes and hypertension training scholarships for healthcare providers across Africa and Asia. Livestock Health & Trade: Namibia confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in its FMD-free zone, triggering movement bans and raising concerns for surveillance capacity and the pace of easing restrictions—an issue with clear regional knock-on effects for Botswana’s livestock health planning. Health Systems & Equity: A Botswana Gazette analysis suggests females consume more from selected public services than males, raising questions about access and usage patterns rather than direct spending bias.

Malaria Financing Pressure: African leaders, including Botswana’s President Duma Boko through ALMA, warned that a 30% cut in malaria funding could trigger 146 million additional cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, as Global Fund and Gavi replenishments fall short and resistance to medicines and insecticides grows. HIV Response Funding Squeeze: UNAIDS says governments still rely on it to coordinate national HIV responses, but international HIV resources fell 18% in 2025, leaving a major gap to stay on track to end AIDS. WHO Leadership Race: Botswana’s nomination of pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for the next WHO director-general bid highlights how the global health agency is navigating financial strain and US funding pullbacks ahead of the May 2027 election. Food Security & Health Systems Link: Botswana’s dairy push continues with the arrival of 205 Girolando cattle to expand Milk Valley Farm, aiming to reduce reliance on imported milk and strengthen food security. Disease Control Watch: Namibia confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in an FMD-free zone, triggering movement bans and export suspensions—another reminder of how animal health shocks can ripple into livelihoods and nutrition.

HIV Response Funding: UNAIDS says international HIV resources fell 18% in 2025, leaving a major gap as governments back the agency during UNGA81; Botswana President Duma Boko offered support for UNAIDS’ regional work. Malaria Financing Alarm: African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns a 30% cut in malaria funding could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths by 2030, with Botswana hosting a UNGA side event calling for stronger domestic funding and multisector action. WHO Leadership Race: Botswana has nominated pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for WHO director-general, as the contest unfolds amid global funding pressure and job cuts. FMD Risk and Biosecurity: Namibia’s first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 60 years triggered movement and export bans; private vets in the region warn surveillance and testing capacity must keep up as restrictions are adjusted. Botswana Dairy Push: Botswana Development Corporation received another 205 Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil to expand Milk Valley Farm in Lobatse, aiming to boost domestic milk production and reduce import reliance. Health Equity Lens: A Botswana Gazette analysis suggests females consume more of selected public services than males, raising questions about access and use rather than direct spending bias.

WHO leadership race: Botswana-backed pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan is among six candidates for the next WHO director-general, as the global health agency faces funding and institutional pressure. Malaria financing: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns that a 30% cut in malaria funding could drive 146 million additional cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action. HIV funding squeeze: UNAIDS says HIV resources fell 18% in 2025, while governments—including Botswana—reaffirm support as the US ramps up Ebola response funding in the DRC. GBV support in Gaborone: Ratong Center founder Pearl Ncube launches a “Healing with Ms Pearl” podcast to create safe spaces and practical healing tools for survivors and people recovering from addiction. Breast cancer awareness: Journey of Hope Botswana’s 15th Annual Big Journey tour continues breast cancer screening and education in underserved villages, stressing that many cases are painless until late. FMD watch (regionally): Namibia reports its first foot-and-mouth outbreak in 60 years, triggering livestock movement and meat export bans—another reminder of how animal disease can quickly disrupt livelihoods.

Malaria Financing Pressure: At UNGA in New York, Botswana President Duma Boko (ALMA chair) backed calls for stronger domestic funding and multisector action as a 30% malaria budget cut could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 extra deaths by 2030. HIV Funding Squeeze: UNAIDS says HIV resources fell 18% in 2025, leaving low- and middle-income countries short of the $21.9bn needed to stay on track, even as governments rally behind UNAIDS and Botswana supports its regional work. WHO Leadership Race: Botswana nominated Armenian pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for WHO director-general, as six candidates compete amid global funding strain and US withdrawal. GBV Support in Gaborone: A Gaborone NGO is launching “Healing with Ms Pearl” to offer practical healing tools and safe spaces for GBV survivors and people recovering from addiction. Breast Cancer Awareness in Botswana: Journey of Hope’s 15th Annual Big Journey is running breast cancer education and screening in Tswapong districts, stressing early detection and access for underserved communities. Public Health & Safety Watch: Reports also highlight illegal health products seized in Maun, underscoring ongoing risks from unregulated medicines.

Malaria Financing Alarm: African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) says a 30% cut in malaria funding could trigger 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action to speed elimination. WHO Leadership Race: Botswana-backed pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan is among six candidates for the next WHO director-general as the agency faces funding pressure after US withdrawal and broader health spending cuts. HIV Response Under Strain: UNAIDS reports a major decline in international HIV resources and highlights Botswana President Duma Boko’s support for UNAIDS presence as governments rally amid the squeeze, even while the DRC Ebola response draws attention. Breast Cancer Screening Push in Botswana: Journey of Hope’s 15th Annual Big Journey tour is running breast cancer awareness and screening across Tswapong villages in Mahalapye and Palapye, stressing early detection and that symptoms are often painless. GBV Survivor Support: Ratong Center founder Pearl Ncube is launching “Healing with Ms Pearl,” a podcast plus retreats and support sessions aimed at helping GBV survivors and people recovering from addiction find safer healing spaces. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Risk to Livelihoods: Namibia’s first FMD outbreak in 60 years has triggered bans on livestock movement and meat exports, with southern Africa already hit this year—raising knock-on concerns for food systems and rural incomes.

Gender Equity in Public Services: A Botswana Gazette analysis suggests females may consume about 40% more of certain public benefits than males, with the “bias” appearing at the point of use rather than in how services are designed. Malaria Funding Alarm: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns a 30% cut in malaria financing could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action. HIV Response Under Strain: UNAIDS says HIV funding fell 18% in 2025, while governments—including Botswana’s President Duma Boko—reaffirm support as the world also faces a growing Ebola crisis in the DRC. WHO Leadership Spotlight: Botswana has nominated pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for the next WHO director-general election in May 2027, highlighting cancer care access in resource-limited settings. Breast Cancer Screening Push: Journey of Hope’s 15th Annual Big Journey tour is running breast cancer awareness and screening in Tswapong districts, stressing that many cases are painless and late detection is a key challenge. GBV Healing Support: A Gaborone NGO is launching “Healing with Ms Pearl,” a podcast plus retreats and support sessions for survivors of gender-based violence and people recovering from addiction. Drug Use and Meth Concerns (Mozambique): Mozambique reports rising hospital admissions linked to drug use, with more methamphetamine cases showing a shift beyond heroin. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Watch (Namibia): Namibia reports its first FMD outbreak in 60 years, triggering livestock movement and meat export bans and raising regional alarm after recent cases in southern Africa.

Malaria Financing Alarm: Botswana President Duma Boko, chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, warned that a 30% cut in malaria funding could drive 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths across Africa by 2030, as leaders call for stronger domestic budgets and multisector action. Botswana Health System Strain: A new report highlights the gap between Botswana’s health reform promises and patient reality, citing low medicine availability at Princess Marina Hospital (around 40%), plus shortages including a missing CT scanner and depleted condom stocks. WHO Leadership Race: Pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan—nominated by Botswana—has entered the race for the next WHO Director-General, with the election set for May 2027 amid broader WHO financial pressure. FMD Risk to Livestock Health: Namibia confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in its southern livestock zone, triggering bans on movement and meat exports; the outbreak follows cases already seen in several southern African countries, including Botswana. GBV Healing Support: In Gaborone, a GBV survivor support NGO is launching a “Healing with Ms Pearl” podcast, with plans for retreats and psychological support sessions.

Debt Pressure on Health Budgets: African leaders at the UNGA warned that high borrowing costs and debt repayments are squeezing spending on hospitals, education, infrastructure and climate action, with Botswana’s President Duma Boko linking the strain to eroding trust in global systems. WHO Leadership Race: Botswana has nominated pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan as a candidate for WHO Director-General, with the election set for May 2027 as the agency faces funding pressure and pandemic preparedness concerns. Malaria Funding Alert: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance says a 30% cut in malaria financing could drive 146 million more cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Breast Cancer Screening Drive: Journey of Hope Botswana is running its 15th Big Journey breast cancer awareness and screening tour, focusing on Tswapong villages in Mahalapye and Palapye and stressing that many cases are painless until late detection. GBV Healing Support: A Gaborone NGO is launching a “Healing with Ms Pearl” podcast and related support sessions for GBV survivors and people recovering from addiction, aiming to create safe spaces for recovery. Drug Use Rising in Mozambique: Mozambique reports a 38% rise in hospital admissions linked to drug use, with officials warning of growing local consumption alongside trafficking routes.

WHO Leadership Race: Botswana has put forward pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan as it joins the race to replace WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, with a shortlist due in January 2027 and the new director-general expected in May 2027. Malaria Financing: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns that a 30% cut in malaria funding could trigger 146 million more cases and major economic losses across Africa by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action. GBV Support in Gaborone: Ratong Center founder Pearl Ncube is launching “Healing with Ms Pearl,” a podcast plus retreats and support sessions for GBV survivors and people recovering from addiction. Breast Cancer Screening: Journey of Hope Botswana’s 15th Annual Big Journey is running breast cancer awareness and screening across Tswapong villages in Mahalapye and Palapye, stressing late detection challenges. Botswana Health System Pressure: A Botswana Gazette report highlights medicine shortages and gaps in hospital access, including low availability at Princess Marina Hospital, despite ambitious reform plans. FMD and Biosecurity Spillovers: Namibia’s FMD outbreak has triggered movement and trade suspensions and plans to split its FMD-free zone—an issue with direct knock-on effects for regional livestock health and exports.

GBV support in Gaborone: Ratong Center founder Pearl Ncube is launching “Healing with Ms Pearl,” a podcast plus healing retreats and open psychological support sessions for GBV survivors and people recovering from addiction, with content tailored for ages 16–24, 25–45 and older groups. Malaria financing push: African leaders at a UNGA side event, chaired by Botswana President Duma Boko, urged countries to lock malaria funding into national budgets and coordinate multisector action to speed elimination. Breast cancer screening drive: Journey of Hope Botswana’s 15th Annual Big Journey is running a breast cancer awareness and screening tour across Tswapong districts in Mahalapye and Palapye, stressing that many cases are painless and late detection is a key challenge. Drug use rising in Mozambique: Reports highlight a surge in hospital admissions linked to drug use, with officials warning Mozambique is increasingly becoming a consumer market along trafficking routes. FMD fallout across the region: Namibia confirmed FMD south of its veterinary cordon fence, triggering movement and trade suspensions and plans to divide the FMD-free area into smaller zones; meanwhile, Botswana-linked vaccine capacity and regional response efforts remain in the spotlight. AI for clinical care: OpenEvidence and Anthropic are expanding free medical AI access to clinicians in about 100 low- and middle-income countries, including Botswana, aiming to improve access to medical knowledge.