AGP Executive Report

Migration & Health Access: Zimbabwe community leaders in South Africa pushed back on xenophobic claims after official figures at SAN-MIS showed international migrants are just under 4% of SA’s population (about 2.4 million people), raising concerns that exaggerated numbers are being used to stoke fear and strain services. Border Services & Clinics: Namibia’s Ovambanderu Traditional Authority urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address health-care gaps tied to repatriation and temporary resettlement, including the lack of nearby clinics and education facilities. Water & Community Development: Mayeyi leadership in Namibia called Sangwali the least developed area, citing long distances to services, drought impacts, and dependence on boreholes—plus demands to extend water pipelines and improve local governance. Wellness in Botswana: Botswana Tourism Organisation endorsed the “Beyond 40 Walk” wellness initiative in Gaborone, promoting active lifestyles and community use of public spaces. Malaria Travel Warning: UK travel health guidance flagged Botswana and several other countries as malaria-risk destinations, urging travellers to take precautions. Public Health Advocacy: Southern African alcohol policy advocate Aadielah Maker Diedericks highlighted how inequality and HIV experiences shaped her long-term push for prevention-focused, evidence-based alcohol harm reduction across the region. Health & Safety in Wildlife: A Botswana wildlife clip sparked debate over whether oxpeckers were removing parasites or feeding from wounds—an example of how misinformation can spread around animal health.

Malaria travel warning: UK health authorities have updated malaria risk guidance, listing Botswana among countries travellers should take extra precautions in, after reports of imported malaria cases and deaths linked to travel. Blood donation spotlight: A Botswana blood donation advocate, Bofelo Kgaodi, is celebrated for donating 85 times and helping save an estimated 255 lives—an uplifting reminder of how community action supports health systems. Women’s health push: South Africa’s Women’s Month coverage renews calls to prevent and detect cervical cancer early, highlighting HPV vaccination and screening as key to meeting elimination targets. Community health access concerns: In Namibia’s Zambezi region, Mayeyi leadership is urging improved services and a border post near Kawedumu or Yasunu to shorten travel for health care and education. Public health advocacy profile: Aadielah Maker Diedericks’ work is highlighted across Southern Africa through the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance, focusing on alcohol harm reduction and protecting vulnerable families. Local wellness event: Botswana Tourism Organisation endorsement backs the Beyond 40 Walk in Gaborone on Sept 5, promoting active lifestyles and community recreation. Health system strain in displacement: Reports note forced displacement pressures on Mat’land projects, with diaspora support and services under strain.

Vulture sanitation value: New analysis puts the health and environmental service of vultures in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia at nearly $2bn a year, noting how their highly acidic guts help break down disease in carcasses—so fewer rotting remains means less risk to nearby people and water. Faith & health media: MTA Africa marks a decade of faith-based broadcasting across Africa, including regional health discussions and localised programmes—highlighting how community media can support wellness education. Wellness walk in Gaborone: BTO has endorsed the “Beyond 40 Walk” wellness initiative in Gaborone on Sept 5, aiming to boost physical well-being and promote active community recreation. Malaria travel warning: UK travel health guidance flags Botswana among malaria-risk destinations, reminding travellers to take precautions as imported malaria cases remain a concern. Cervical cancer push: Women’s Month coverage urges faster action to prevent and screen for cervical cancer, stressing HPV vaccination and early detection as key to saving lives. Period poverty support via sport: A Kilimanjaro trek campaign backs Caring4Girls to fight period poverty and keep girls in school. Water access calls in Zambezi: Local leaders in Sangwali and Judea Lyaboloma demand urgent pipeline extensions and a new clinic, linking safe water and healthcare access to community health. Inflation pressure on health workers: BLLAHWU calls for government to close the inflation gap for workers, warning that squeezed incomes and strained public services are worsening everyday health and wellbeing. SME support linked to mining: Khoemacau and Absa partner to empower citizen-owned SMEs, aiming to improve local livelihoods through better access to finance and growth opportunities. El Niño health risk: African Union leaders warn a major El Niño could drive drought, floods, food shortages and disease outbreaks unless countries prepare now.

Malaria travel warning: UK health authorities have updated malaria risk guidance, listing Botswana among countries travellers should take extra precautions in, after rising imported malaria cases in the UK. Cervical cancer push: As South Africa marks Women’s Month, advocates renewed calls to accelerate HPV vaccination, screening and treatment to meet WHO’s 90-70-90 targets and prevent thousands of deaths. El Niño preparedness: The AU urged African governments to move from forecasts to action after warnings of a potentially severe El Niño, citing risks of drought, floods, food shortages and disease outbreaks. Botswana health system access: In Namibia’s Zambezi region, Mayeyi leaders and councillors called for faster water pipeline expansion and a new clinic to reduce long travel distances for healthcare. SME finance for health-linked livelihoods: Bank Gaborone and LEA signed a three-year MoA to boost SMME access to training and financing—support that can strengthen community resilience and local employment. Blood donation spotlight: A Botswana donor was celebrated for 85 donations and an estimated 255 lives saved, highlighting ongoing need for regular blood supply.

Cervical cancer push: Botswana readers get a timely regional reminder as South Africa’s Women’s Month spotlight renews calls to prevent and screen for cervical cancer—linked to HPV and largely preventable through vaccination and early detection. Blood donation culture: A Botswana blood donor story highlights how consistent donations can save hundreds of lives, reinforcing the need to keep donors engaged. Parenting and mental health: A major BMJ Global Health study points to Botswana’s participation in a parenting programme linked to lower child abuse and better mental health outcomes after COVID-era home stress. Malaria travel warning: UK travel guidance flags Botswana among malaria-risk destinations, urging travellers to take precautions as imported cases remain a concern. Water and clinics access: In neighbouring Zambezi communities, leaders call for faster water pipeline extensions and new clinics to reduce long-distance healthcare travel. Local health system support: Botswana’s union urges action on inflation pressures affecting workers and public services, while also backing moves that strengthen primary healthcare delivery. SMME finance: Bank Gaborone and LEA sign a partnership to help entrepreneurs become more bankable—support that can indirectly improve community wellbeing through jobs and services.

Medicine supply pressure: Botswana’s President Duma Boko urged patience as medicine shortages persist, blaming years of flawed procurement, inflated pricing, and weak supply systems, including the destruction of expired stock worth P95 million. Water access and health risk: In Namibia’s Zambezi region, Mayeyi leaders say Sangwali is being left out of development plans, with dried-up rivers and heavy reliance on boreholes; they’re calling for pipeline extensions and a village council to bring services closer. Cervical cancer push: Women’s Month coverage highlights cervical cancer as largely preventable and calls for faster HPV vaccination and routine screening to meet WHO’s 90-70-90 targets. Local health infrastructure needs: Sangwali councillor Vincent Sinalumbu is urging urgent investment in a new clinic at Sauswu, warning residents and schoolchildren currently travel long distances through wildlife corridors for care. Health-linked community support: Botswana’s parenting programme linked to lower child abuse and better mental health is spotlighted through a large BMJ Global Health study that included Botswana families.

Medicine Shortage Response: President Duma Boko appealed for patience as Botswana battles essential medicine shortages, pointing to years of alleged corruption, flawed procurement, and weak supply chains behind the crisis. Water & Clinics Need Urgent Funding: In Namibia’s Zambezi region, Chief Shufu and councillor Vincent Sinalumbu urged faster action on water pipelines and a new clinic, warning that dried rivers and long travel for healthcare are harming both people and wildlife. Health Security Strategy: WHO says five African countries, including Botswana, are implementing an eight-year Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022–2030), with plans to expand and scale up across the region. Parenting Programme Impact: A major BMJ Global Health study linked Botswana’s Stepping Stones International parenting programme (delivered 2020–2021) to better family communication and improved mental health outcomes for caregivers and adolescents. Cancer Hope & Support: Letsile Tebogo launched the Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation in Gaborone, turning his family’s cancer journey into community support and hope. El Niño Preparedness: Botswana is urged to strengthen national preparedness for the upcoming rainy season as Africa braces for a potentially severe El Niño.

Medicine Shortage Response: Botswana President Duma Boko appealed for patience as his government tackles medicine shortages, blaming years of flawed procurement, inflated prices, and weak supply systems that left expired stock worth P95 million. Public Health Preparedness: African governments adopted an eight-year WHO strategy (2022–2030) to strengthen health security and emergency response, with Botswana among the implementing countries. Water & Health Access: In Sangwali, Namibia’s traditional leadership and councillors urged urgent investment in water infrastructure and a new clinic, warning that dried rivers are harming both people and animals. El Niño Alert: Scientists warn of a 90% chance of a major El Niño, with risks including droughts, floods, food shortages, and disease outbreaks—prompting calls for faster preparedness. Community Health Through Parenting: A Botswana-linked BMJ Global Health study found a parenting programme tied to lower child abuse and better mental health outcomes for caregivers and adolescents. SMME Finance (Health Link): Bank Gaborone and LEA signed a three-year partnership to boost SMME growth and financial literacy, supporting livelihoods that underpin household wellbeing.

Medicine Shortage Pressure: Botswana President Duma Boko appealed for patience over essential medicine shortages, blaming years of flawed procurement, inflated pricing, and weak supply systems, including destruction of expired stock worth P95 million. Public Health Planning: WHO says an eight-year Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022–2030) is being implemented in Botswana and four other countries, aiming to strengthen prevention, diagnostics, and response to outbreaks. Parenting & Mental Health: A major BMJ Global Health study linked Botswana’s parenting programme (delivered by Stepping Stones International) to lower child abuse and better mental health outcomes for caregivers and adolescents. Cancer Support & Hope: Track star Letsile Tebogo launched the Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation in Gaborone, turning personal grief into support for cancer survivors and families. Older People in Policy: Experts urged governments to include older people in planning and service design, citing their lived experience and skills for stronger health and care systems. Health System Funding: 14 African countries, including Botswana, pledged over US$45m to support WHO’s Investment Round for more resilient health systems.

Medicine Shortage Response: Botswana President Duma Boko urged patience as he tackles medicine shortages, blaming years of flawed procurement, inflated pricing and supply-chain weaknesses, including the destruction of expired medicines worth P95 million. Cancer Awareness & Support: Track star Letsile Tebogo launched the Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation in Gaborone, turning personal grief over his mother’s cancer into a public push for hope and support for cancer survivors. Parenting & Child Safety: A major BMJ Global Health study linked Botswana’s Stepping Stones International parenting programme (delivered with EU and Debswana support) to lower child abuse and improved mental health outcomes for caregivers and adolescents. Social Spending Warning: Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe cautioned that a proposed P4.1bn annual social spending package could strain Botswana’s fragile recovery, widening the fiscal deficit and raising public debt. Health Security Planning: WHO says an eight-year Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022–2030) is being implemented in Botswana and four other countries, aiming to strengthen preparedness for outbreaks and public health emergencies. Health Funding for Older People: Experts urged governments to consult older people in policy design and planning for healthy ageing, stressing they should be treated as contributors, not only beneficiaries.

Health Security Funding: 14 African countries, including Botswana, pledged over US$45m to support WHO’s first-ever Investment Round, aiming for more predictable funding to strengthen resilient health systems and emergency response. Climate & Public Health Risk: Botswana urged national preparedness for likely 2026/27 El Niño conditions, warning of below-normal and erratic rains, longer dry spells, heat, and knock-on effects for agriculture, water, livestock, public health and wildland fires. Healthy Ageing Voices: Experts called for governments to consult older people in policy and service design, highlighting that ageing populations across southern Africa need better research, investment, and care systems that use seniors’ lived experience. Anti-Trafficking Reach in the Region: Talitha Kum said it expanded into Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, reaching 1.21m people in 2025 through prevention and survivor support—part of a wider push against trafficking for forced criminality. Community Health via Sport: Sunbet backed Botswana sport with funding that includes a health-through-sport partnership and running events, while local football tournaments like Debswana Jwaneng Mine’s Soccer Fiesta continue channeling proceeds into health and education projects. Migration & Refugee Management Watch: South Africa’s Musina repatriation centre raised concerns about a shift toward more camp-based approaches, as the country hosts large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers.

El Niño Preparedness: Botswana’s meteorology outlook warns of a >90% chance of El Niño dominating the 2026/27 summer rains, with below-normal rainfall, dry spells, hotter temperatures, and knock-on risks for agriculture, water, livestock, public health and wildland fires—urging whole-of-society readiness. Health Security Strategy: WHO-backed regional health ministers across Botswana, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Togo endorsed an eight-year strategy (2022–2030) to strengthen health security and emergency response, with plans to scale to more countries and improve prevention, diagnostics and treatment for outbreaks like cholera and measles. Healthy Ageing Voices: Experts say older people in Botswana and across Africa should be consulted in policy and service design, not treated only as beneficiaries—highlighting tougher ageing conditions and the need for better research and investment. WHO Funding Push: 14 African countries, including Botswana, pledged over US$45m to support WHO’s first Investment Round, aiming for more predictable financing to build resilient health systems. Anti-Trafficking Growth: Talitha Kum reports reaching 1.21m people in 2025 and expanding into Botswana and neighbouring countries, as regional efforts intensify against trafficking for forced criminality and online scams. Community Nutrition Link: A Botswana scholar’s landmark fellowship supports African prostate cancer research, while Namibia’s Miss Teen advocacy spotlights nutrition and child food security—both underscoring health and wellness priorities across the region.

Health Security Strategy: Five African countries, including Botswana, are implementing WHO’s 2022–2030 Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies, with plans to expand to more countries and scale up prevention, diagnostics and treatment for outbreaks. El Niño Preparedness: Botswana has been urged to prepare for likely 2026/2027 El Niño conditions, with a high chance of below-normal, erratic rains and knock-on risks for agriculture, water, livestock, public health and wildland fires. Healthy Ageing Input: Experts say older people should be consulted in policy and service planning, highlighting the need to use their experience and skills as Africa’s population ages. Funding for WHO: 14 African countries, including Botswana, backed WHO’s first Investment Round with pledges of over US$45m to support stronger, more resilient health systems. Research Spotlight: BIUST announced its first HEROIC Prostate Cancer Precision Health Africa1K Fellowship recipient, boosting local research links to precision health work. Community Health via Sport: Botswana’s GM Soccer Fiesta (Jwaneng) says proceeds from its fifth edition will fund health and education projects in Tlhankane. Nutrition Advocacy: Miss Teen Namibia 2026 winner Jessica Nokokure Kurth’s platform focuses on nutrition and food security for children and communities.

El Niño preparedness: Botswana’s meteorology outlook warns of a >90% chance El Niño conditions will dominate the 2026/27 summer rains, with below-normal rainfall, dry spells, hotter temperatures and knock-on risks for agriculture, water, livestock, public health and wildland fires. Healthy ageing voices: Experts say older people should be consulted in policy and service planning, citing research across Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi showing many are ageing under tough conditions. WHO funding push: 14 African countries, including Botswana, pledged over US$45m to support WHO’s first Investment Round, aiming for more predictable health financing. Prostate cancer research boost: BIUST named Umuna Maendo as the inaugural HEROIC Prostate Cancer Precision Health Africa1K Fellow, linking her work to the University of Sydney to strengthen African-focused prostate cancer research. Cancer survivor support: Orange Botswana backed the newly launched Letsile Tebogo Charitable Foundation with P250,000 to help cancer survivors and families with awareness, early detection and access to support. Mining health and safety: Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo reaffirmed government partnership with the Botswana Mine Workers Union, stressing worker welfare, safety and fair labour practices and moving ahead on safety committee appointments. Sport-for-health funding: Sunbet pledged P4m over two seasons to back Gaborone United, including a P1m health-through-sport commitment via Fearless Fitness Botswana. Community health via football: Debswana Jwaneng Mine’s GM Soccer Fiesta (July 31–Aug 2) says proceeds will fund health and education projects in Tlhankane. Nutrition and food security spotlight: Miss Teen Namibia 2026 winner Jessica Nokokure Kurth uses her platform to tackle malnutrition through her “Kutisee Ezumo” advocacy. Anti-trafficking momentum: Talitha Kum reported reaching 1.21m people in 2025 and expanding into Botswana and neighbouring countries, as Ghana’s civil society coalition targets cyber-enabled trafficking for forced criminality.

Healthy Ageing Policy: Experts at an African Union meeting urged governments to consult older people when planning policies, communities and services, saying retirees’ skills should be used—not treated only as beneficiaries—while research highlights tough ageing conditions across Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi. El Niño Preparedness: Botswana’s government and the African Union warned that the 2026/2027 El Niño could bring below-normal rains, dry spells, heat and knock-on effects for agriculture, water, livestock, public health and wildland fires—calling for national and regional readiness. Cancer Research & Care Access: BIUST announced a Botswana scholar as the inaugural HEROIC Prostate Cancer Precision Health Africa1K Fellow, linking her to advanced genomics work in Australia, spotlighting the urgent need for prostate cancer research and tailored care in Africa. Community Health Through Sport: Botswana saw multiple sport-linked health efforts, including a Jwaneng GM Soccer Fiesta funding health and education projects, and Orange Phikwe’s marathon continuing community impact through events that draw runners and support local needs. Anti-Trafficking & Scam Risks: Regional and faith-linked anti-trafficking groups reported major reach and growth, while Ghana’s coalition plans to tackle cyber-enabled trafficking and forced criminality—an issue that also raises health and safety concerns for vulnerable youth.

El Niño preparedness (Botswana): Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism has urged national readiness for likely El Niño conditions in the 2026/27 rainy season, warning of a greater than 90% chance of below-normal rainfall, longer dry spells, and above-normal temperatures—raising risks for agriculture, water, livestock and rangelands, public health, and wildland fires. Cancer research milestone (Botswana): BIUST announced that Ms. Umuna Maendo, a first-year PhD student, is the inaugural recipient of the HEROIC Prostate Cancer Precision Health Africa1K Fellowship, partnering with the University of Sydney’s Ancestry and Health Genomics Laboratory to advance prostate cancer research for African men. Health through sport (Botswana): Sunbet reaffirmed support for Botswana sport with a P4 million sponsorship for Gaborone United over two seasons, plus P1 million for health through sport via Fearless Fitness Botswana’s 10k Run series. Community health funding (Botswana): Debswana Jwaneng Mine’s GM Soccer Fiesta returns July 31–Aug 2, with proceeds directed to health and education projects in Tlhankane. Anti-trafficking network growth (region): Talitha Kum says it reached 1.21 million people globally in 2025 and expanded into Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Malawi, as part of prevention and survivor support efforts.