Foot-and-mouth disease response: Botswana is stepping up FMD controls after outbreaks across the SADC region raised risks to rural livelihoods and livestock trade, with officials stressing past success in maintaining FMD-free zones without vaccination and calling for continued investment in disease control. Regional health solidarity: Botswana also donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho to strengthen its transboundary disease response, with both countries urging closer cooperation on surveillance, vaccination, veterinary services and livestock movement control. GBV funding push: Botswana’s President has directed that properly costed resources for the national gender-based violence response be taken to Cabinet, as Parliament presses for additional GBV budget allocation—framing it as a coordinated plan, not duplication. Prison mental health: The Botswana Prison Service says life-sentenced inmates face serious psychological strain, highlighting ongoing counselling and rehabilitation support, including a new five-year partnership with Boitekanelo College. Road safety: A fatal crash in Gaborone near Optimum Health Clinic left two passengers seriously injured and others hurt, with police investigating what caused the driver to lose control. Men lured to Russia war: Reports from southern Africa, including Botswana, describe families anxiously waiting for relatives recruited to fight in Russia, with authorities warning recruitment activity continues and trafficking cases being pursued. Youth health and inclusion: Preparations for Botswana’s 2026 Independence Kids Run in Gaborone position sport as a healthy lifestyle and community inclusion push ahead of the 60th anniversary. Water and sanitation focus: A feature highlights how safe water and sanitation underpin health, food security and productivity, noting Botswana and other countries face extremely high water stress.