AGP Executive Report

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis: Botswana’s veterinary teams are battling a fast-moving FMD outbreak, with new affected areas appearing far from earlier hotspots and authorities rolling out strict disease-control gate measures that include disinfecting hooves/shoes—sparking backlash from women who say the rules threaten their rights and livelihoods. AI for clinical care: Anthropic and OpenEvidence announced a medical AI clinical decision-support tool for doctors in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to improve access to peer-reviewed guidance where specialist support and medical literature are limited. Health safety crackdown: Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BOMRA) seized over 2,000 unregistered health products in Maun, warning against buying illegal medicines including skin-lightening and sexual enhancement products. Child health: Botswana repatriated an abandoned infant from Russia; prosecutors say the child arrived in good health. Hospital pain in Africa: A UCT-led study reports 1 in 7 hospital patients across Africa experience severe pain, highlighting a major gap in patient comfort and care. Diarrhoea update: Gantsi district reported diarrhoea cases easing to 57 last week, but still above last year, with rotavirus vaccine orders and water sampling underway. Malaria warning: Botswana’s malaria progress is threatened by mosquito resistance, medicine partial resistance in the region, and climate-driven surges in cases. Neurosurgery capacity: Botswana trained 22 professionals on new neurosurgery machines at Princess Marina, Nyangabgwe and Letsholathebe II hospitals.

Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine push: South Africa’s agriculture minister says private companies will be asked to manufacture foot-and-mouth disease vaccines under licence, after demand outstripped the Agricultural Research Council’s capacity—Botswana Vaccine Institute is among the suppliers mentioned. Malaria elimination setback: A Botswana-focused op-ed warns malaria has surged again after near-elimination gains, citing falling resources, mosquito resistance, and partial medicine resistance in the region. Health product crackdown in Maun: BOMRA seized 2,000+ unregistered health products in Maun, including prescription medicines, skin-lightening creams and sexual enhancement products, with offenders fined. Child repatriation from Russia: Botswana repatriated an abandoned infant from Russia; the DPP says the child arrived Sept 20 and is in good health. Hospital pain study: A UCT-led study finds 1 in 7 African hospital patients report severe pain, highlighting a major care gap. Diarrhoea update in Gantsi: Gantsi diarrhoea cases fell from 124 to 57 in a week, but a child under five reportedly died; rotavirus vaccine orders and water sampling are underway. Neurosurgery training upgrade: Botswana trained 22 professionals on new CUSA neurosurgery machines for Princess Marina, Nyangabgwe and Letsholathebe II hospitals. Inflation squeeze: Botswana’s inflation is reported at 9.3% in August, with transport, electricity and food still driving pressure on households. Gender-based violence spotlight: A report on killings in Ekurhuleni underscores ongoing concerns about protection for women.

BOMRA Enforcement: More than 2,000 unregistered health products were seized in Maun in a joint operation, with BOMRA warning people not to buy prescription medicines, skin-lightening creams, or sexual enhancement products; 15 cases were registered and offenders were fined over P20,000. HIV Supply Chain Milestone: Botswana marked 10 years of the Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM) with officials saying the partnership has strengthened health commodity systems and improved access to essential medicines, including support toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Hospital Pain in Africa: A UCT-led study found 67.9% of hospital patients across 22 African countries reported some pain, with 14.4% reporting severe pain—highlighting an urgent need for better pain management. Neurosurgery Capacity Boost: Botswana trained 22 medical professionals and biomedical engineers on newly procured neurosurgery machines (CUSA), placed at Princess Marina, Nyangabgwe, and Letsholathebe II hospitals. Diarrhoea Alert in Gantsi: Gantsi diarrhoea cases surged to 124 in one week before improving to 57, with rotavirus vaccine orders, refresher training, and water sampling reported.

Neurosurgery upgrade in Botswana: Twenty-two clinicians and biomedical engineers were trained on newly procured CUSA neurosurgery machines for Princess Marina, Nyangabgwe and Letsholathebe II hospitals, aiming to boost precision in brain and spine care. Health supply chain milestone: Botswana and the US Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM) marked 10 years of work improving access to essential medicines and strengthening district delivery systems. Hospital pain burden (Africa-wide): A UCT-led study found 67.9% of African hospital patients reported pain and 14.4% severe pain, highlighting the need for better pain control. Diarrhoea outbreak update (Gantsi): Gantsi reported a surge in diarrhoea cases, with one child under five reported lost; refresher training, rotavirus vaccine orders, and water sampling were intensified. Inflation squeeze: Botswana’s August inflation eased slightly to 9.3%, but transport, electricity and food costs remain heavy on households. Diamonds beyond diamonds: President Duma Boko met Dr Akinwumi Adesina to push the Diamonds for Development Fund toward diversification and structural growth. De Beers sale watch: Botswana’s review of Anglo American’s De Beers stake nears completion, with decisions on ownership and risk still pending.

Diarrhoea Alert in Gantsi: Gantsi District recorded 124 diarrhoea cases in one week, now down to 57, but still more than double last year’s figure; one child under five died. Health teams have intensified community education through kgotla meetings and schools, refreshed staff training, placed an emergency order for rotavirus vaccines, and carried out water sampling, while Water Utilities Corporation continues safe-water handling support. Health Supply Chain Milestone: Botswana and the US marked 10 years of the Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM Botswana), highlighting improved access to essential medicines and stronger systems for moving life-saving drugs from central stores to district patients, with a new three-year MoU signed in late 2025. Health Financing Push in Africa: The UN Economic Commission for Africa, with Yemi Osinbajo, is driving a shift toward sustainable domestic health financing, stressing coordination between health and finance ministries as aid declines and debt tightens budgets. Roads and Care Access in Mukwe: Residents of Mukwe Constituency petition for action on stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and the Andara–Shamaturu Road, warning delays are affecting emergency access to Andara District Hospital.

Health Supply Chain Milestone: Botswana and the US marked 10 years of the Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM Botswana), highlighting how the partnership has strengthened Botswana’s medicine distribution and training systems, including a Dec 2025 MoU with a data-sharing agreement aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat. Health Financing Push: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Yemi Osinbajo are driving a shift toward sustainable, mostly domestic health financing, stressing stronger coordination between health and finance ministries as aid declines and debt tightens budgets. Patient Safety Focus: A global push for safer noncommunicable disease care spotlights the risks patients face over long treatment journeys, with World Patient Safety Day calling for safer systems for chronic conditions. Local Health Access Under Pressure: In Mukwe, residents petition Botswana’s Works and Transport Ministry and the Roads Authority over stalled road projects, including delays affecting access to Andara District Hospital—raising urgent concerns about emergency response. Regional Health Governance: ECA convened a High-Level Advisory Group meeting on health financing, anchored in the Tangier Declaration and framed as a move away from aid dependency toward domestic ownership.

Global Health Supply Chain Milestone: Botswana marked 10 years of the GHSC-PSM partnership with the US, celebrating how the programme has strengthened health commodity systems and improved access to essential medicines across districts. Health Financing Push: The UN Economic Commission for Africa, with Yemi Osinbajo, is driving a shift toward sustainable domestic health financing, urging closer coordination between health and finance ministries as aid declines and debt tightens budgets. Patient Safety for NCDs: World Patient Safety Day spotlights the risks people face when living long-term with chronic conditions, with this year’s theme focused on safer care for noncommunicable diseases. Botswana–Oman Health & Medicines Deal: Oman and Botswana signed agreements including a Botswana–Oman medicines security and pharmaceutical supply and investment partnership, alongside broader cooperation in energy and mining. Local Health System Concern: A stalled R28m hospital upgrade project in South Africa’s North West raises red flags over alleged overpayment and weak delivery—an indirect warning for regional health infrastructure accountability. Community Health Access Pressure: Mukwe residents demanded action on stalled road works, citing delays to emergency access to Andara District Hospital.

Global Health Supply Chains: Botswana marked 10 years of the US Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM Botswana), celebrating how the partnership has strengthened health commodity systems and improved access to essential medicines across districts. Health Financing: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Yemi Osinbajo pushed a shift toward sustainable, mostly domestic health funding, warning that declining aid and debt are squeezing health budgets. HIV Prevention Medicines: Apretude (cabotegravir) is highlighted as a new option for HIV-1 PrEP treatment, keeping prevention on the agenda for safer long-term health. Medicines Security Partnerships: Botswana and Oman signed multiple agreements including a Botswana–Oman medicines security and pharmaceutical supply cooperation framework. Community Health & Access: Residents in Mukwe demanded action on stalled road projects, saying delays to routes including access to Andara District Hospital can put lives at risk. Patient Safety Focus: World Patient Safety Day spotlighted safer care for noncommunicable diseases, urging systems to protect patients throughout long-term treatment. Conservation & Public Health Link: Walk for Giants in Gaborone used wildlife conservation messaging to raise community awareness about protecting Botswana’s natural future.

Global Health Supply Chain: Botswana marked 10 years of the US Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM Botswana), celebrating how the partnership has strengthened health commodity systems and improved access to essential medicines across districts. Health Financing: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Yemi Osinbajo pushed a shift toward sustainable domestic health financing, stressing coordination between health and finance ministries as aid declines and debt tightens budgets. Patient Safety & NCDs: World Patient Safety Day highlighted the risks patients face while living long-term with noncommunicable diseases, with a focus on safer care for chronic conditions. Medicines Security (Botswana–Oman): Oman and Botswana signed agreements including a Botswana–Oman medicines security partnership and pharmaceutical supply and regulatory cooperation. Community Health Access (Roads): Mukwe residents demanded action on stalled road projects, citing delays to emergency access to Andara District Hospital and the need to resume key road works. HIV Treatment Support: India announced dispatch of 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to Botswana, boosting the country’s HIV/AIDS response.

Health Supply Chains: Botswana marked 10 years of the U.S.-backed Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM), saying the partnership has strengthened how medicines move from central stores to patients in every district, supporting progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Health Financing: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Yemi Osinbajo pushed a shift toward sustainable, mostly domestic health funding, warning that declining aid and debt are squeezing health budgets and calling for tighter coordination between health and finance ministries. Patient Safety for NCDs: A World Patient Safety Day piece highlights the “second half” of chronic care—how people live for decades with diabetes, hypertension, HIV treatment and cancer care, and why safer systems are needed for noncommunicable diseases. Medicines Partnership (Oman-Botswana): During Oman’s state visit, Botswana and Oman signed agreements including a Botswana–Oman medicines security arrangement, plus regulatory cooperation and pharmaceutical supply and investment. Community Health Access (Roads): Mukwe residents demanded action on stalled road works, citing delays to emergency access to Andara District Hospital and urging budgets to resume construction on key routes. Regional Health Sovereignty (Drug Production): A new SADC-China-UNAIDS framework aims to decentralize drug production to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen resilience against future disruptions.

HIV prevention update: Oman and Botswana signed agreements that include a Botswana–Oman medicines security partnership, regulatory cooperation, and pharmaceutical supply and investment—an important signal for strengthening access and oversight of medicines, including HIV prevention options. HIV medicines supply: India dispatched 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to support Botswana’s HIV/AIDS response, boosting supply for treatment continuity. Public health & safety: A Zimbabwean man, Nyasha Mudzongeri, was remanded in custody in Francistown after police alleged illegal entry and possession of suspected human remains; forensic testing is pending. Health workforce & skills: President Mnangagwa capped 2,570 graduates at NUST, with 68% graduating in STEM—relevant for building the technical capacity behind health research, diagnostics, and innovation. Community health push: Bomaid is a headline partner for the AM640+ charity cycle challenge (Jwaneng to Maun, 20 September), linking fitness with support for community health and youth development. Food security & resilience: Farmers and researchers highlight that better climate forecasts alone won’t protect the poorest livestock farmers; risk-smoothing support like feed, insurance, and targeted finance is needed.

HIV & Medicines Support: India has announced a 10-tonne donation of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines to Botswana, backing the country’s recovery after the 2025 medicines supply crisis that triggered a national health emergency. Public Health Partnerships: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements during a state visit, including a Botswana–Oman medicines security partnership covering regulatory cooperation and pharmaceutical supply. HIV Prevention Update: Apretude (cabotegravir) is highlighted as an injectable, long-acting PrEP option approved in several countries including Botswana, offering protection against sexually acquired HIV-1. HIV System Pressure: Botswana’s Central Medical Stores collapse in 2025 left hospitals postponing non-urgent surgeries and facing shortages beyond ARVs, including medicines for TB, diabetes and cancer. Disease Response Debate (FMD): Opposition and beef producers are pushing for changes to Botswana’s foot-and-mouth disease response, arguing command centres create red tape while farmers still need practical veterinary support. Health Governance Scrutiny: The Ombudsman is monitoring controversy around the “African Hero” schools and clinics initiative, weighing whether to launch an investigation. Legal Case (Forensics): A Zimbabwean man, Nyasha Mudzongeri, has been remanded in Botswana over alleged possession of suspected human remains, with forensic testing pending.

HIV Care Support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines to Botswana to back the country’s HIV/AIDS treatment system as it recovers from the 2025 medicines supply crisis. Clinical Tech for Botswana: OpenEvidence and Penn Medicine say their medical AI decision-support tool will reach more than 10,000 clinicians, including teams working through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, aiming to tailor guidance for local practice. Public Health Supply Safety: Apretude (cabotegravir) is highlighted as an injectable, long-acting PrEP option approved in multiple countries including Botswana, offering an alternative to daily prevention methods. Food & Nutrition: A new push argues school feeding can do more than fight hunger—helping tackle rising non-communicable diseases by improving nutrition for millions of children. Health Governance Watch: Botswana’s Ombudsman says it is monitoring the “African Hero” schools and clinics controversy and may launch an investigation once details are clearer. Cross-border Health Risk: A WBeauty shampoo recall linked to bacteria detection has expanded via a COMESA alert, including products exported to Botswana. Justice & Forensics: A Zimbabwean man, claiming to be a spiritual healer, has been remanded in Botswana over alleged illegal entry and suspected human remains, with forensic testing pending.

HIV Treatment Support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines to Botswana, backing the country’s HIV/AIDS response as it continues recovery after a 2025 medicines supply crisis that triggered a national emergency. Medicines Supply & Governance: The ARV shipment follows reports that Botswana’s Central Medical Stores collapse was linked to mismanagement and inflated supplier pricing, which led hospitals to postpone non-urgent care and shortages spreading beyond ARVs. Public Health Oversight: Botswana’s Ombudsman Stephen Tiroyakgosi is monitoring the African Hero schools-and-clinics initiative and may launch an investigation, as questions grow over approval processes and government obligations. Food Security & Health: Former agriculture minister Fidelis Molao is urging President Duma Boko to visibly lead Botswana’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response, warning the crisis threatens livelihoods and markets. Livestock Disease Policy: The Botswana Congress Party is pushing to scrap FMD command centres, arguing they create red tape while farmers need direct veterinary support. Cross-border Health Safety: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo has been recalled after bacteria detection, with a COMESA alert extending vigilance to Botswana and other countries. Clinical Tech for Botswana: OpenEvidence’s AI clinical decision support is set to extend through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, aiming to help clinicians access evidence-based guidance tailored to practice in Botswana. Border Case: A Zimbabwean man accused of possessing suspected human remains has been remanded in custody in Francistown, with forensic testing underway. School Feeding for Health: A wider Africa-focused push argues school meals can tackle rising non-communicable diseases by improving nutrition while supporting education and local economies.

Botswana–UPenn health tech link: OpenEvidence’s AI clinical decision support is set to reach Penn Medicine’s 10,000+ clinicians and also extend to the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, with tools designed for local practice and built with testing and deployment in mind. HIV/AIDS medicines support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to Botswana to back the country’s HIV/AIDS treatment system, underscoring continued health cooperation. Public health supply alert: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo (250 ml) has been recalled after Pluralibacter gergoviae was detected, with a COMESA alert noting the product was exported to Botswana and other countries; customers are advised to stop using it and return for a refund, especially if immunocompromised. Health system capacity push: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and response across Southern Africa, including Botswana-relevant “one health” preparedness support. Local health infrastructure debate: A Botswana discussion continues over private-backed school and clinic projects, with supporters pointing to real facilities being built while government says it can’t fully fund new services.

HIV Care Support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to Botswana to strengthen the public health system for HIV/AIDS treatment. Clinical AI for Botswana: OpenEvidence and Penn Medicine announced a partnership that will extend AI-powered clinical decision support to clinicians through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, aiming to deliver evidence-based guidance at the point of care. Health Data & Surveillance Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment to improve disease detection and response—an important regional reminder of how surveillance capacity supports faster action. Botswana Mortality Snapshot: Statistics Botswana reports 14,037 deaths in 2024, with non-communicable diseases driving most deaths and HIV/AIDS still a major contributor for adults aged 35–64. Road Safety Tragedy: A young woman died in a Metsimotlhabe crash; she was certified dead on arrival at Julia Molefe Clinic after serious head injuries. Public Health Infrastructure Debate: A private hospital project near Gaborone’s airport is being pitched as an “ecosystem” combining specialist care and pharma manufacturing, raising questions about whether such investment can help ease specialist-care shortages. Regional Health Tech: South Africa’s Vula referral app passed 3 million referrals, showing how faster specialist access can reduce unnecessary travel and delays.