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3w ago

Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Over Nationwide Drug Shortages

Troops now manage emergency deliveries to restock clinics facing critical medicine shortages.

Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko attends the inauguration of Namibia's first female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the State House in Windhoek, Namibia, March 21, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Duma Gideon Boko, President of Botswana attends a meeting during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union at the African Union Commision (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 14, 2025. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo
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Overview

  • President Duma Boko said the Central Medical Stores system had failed, disrupting medical supplies across the country.
  • The finance ministry approved 250 million pula in emergency funding to procure essential medicines and consumables.
  • The Botswana Defence Force is overseeing an emergency distribution drive, with trucks dispatched from Gaborone to remote districts.
  • Hospitals report shortages of drugs for hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma, mental and sexual health, plus dressings and sutures, and elective surgeries are suspended.
  • Officials and aid groups cite a prolonged diamond market downturn and reduced U.S. health funding as key pressures, with 1 billion pula owed to suppliers and UNICEF calling for urgent action as child malnutrition concerns rise.