AGP Executive Report

Medicine Supply Crisis: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee hearing turned tense as Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs challenged Acting Central Medical Stores leadership over persistent drug stock-outs in public facilities, raising fears that procurement and distribution failures are harming patients and possibly benefiting private suppliers. Community Clinics: The Sikh Council of Botswana has opened the Nanak Clinic with one doctor and one nurse, offering consultations and dispensing medicines, with plans to expand services and eventually run 24/7 in partnership with government. Tobacco Control Training: Public health advocates from 12 countries, including Botswana, met in Lagos for ATIM’s tobacco industry monitoring training, focused on strengthening local capacity to spot and counter industry interference in health policy. Health Equity & HIV Prevention: Grindr for Equality pledged to connect 10 million LGBTQ+ people to HIV prevention by 2028, pushing in-app pathways to services like testing and PrEP. Public Health & Wellness Through Sport: Botswana reiterated that sport can prevent non-communicable diseases linked to inactivity, with community and school sport programmes aimed at improving physical and mental well-being. Climate Threat to Health: Southern Africa braces for a strong El Niño later in 2026, with Botswana flagged for extreme heat and drought risk that could strain water, food systems, and livelihoods.

Medicine supply crisis: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee hearing turned tense as Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs challenged Acting Central Medical Stores leadership over repeated drug stock-outs in public facilities, raising fears that procurement and distribution failures are harming patients. Community health access: The Sikh Council of Botswana has opened the Nanak Clinic with one doctor and one nurse, dispensing medication and referring patients to its BBS Mall pharmacy when medicines are unavailable, with plans to expand services and operate 24/7. Tobacco control capacity: Botswana joined advocates from across Africa in Lagos for ATIM training focused on monitoring and countering tobacco industry interference in public health policy. HIV prevention push: Grindr for Equality pledged to connect 10 million LGBTQ+ people to HIV prevention by 2028, using in-app referrals to local testing and PrEP services. Health through sport: Botswana’s Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng reiterated sport’s role in preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension by promoting active lifestyles and youth programmes. Heat and health risk: Southern Africa braces for a strong El Niño later in 2026, with Botswana flagged for extreme heat and drought that could strain livelihoods and health systems. Food and farming for wellbeing: A Botswana entrepreneur is reframing food and farming around ecosystem restoration, farmer empowerment and public health.

Medicine Shortage Fallout: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee hearing turned tense as Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs pressed Acting Central Medical Stores (CMS) Director Dr. Bene Paramadhas over recurring drug stock-outs, raising fears that procurement and distribution failures are harming patients and possibly benefiting private suppliers. Public Health & Prevention Access: Grindr for Equality pledged to connect 10 million LGBTQ+ people to HIV prevention by 2028, saying people know about PrEP but aren’t taking it due to shrinking access and funding. Heat & Health Risk: Southern Africa braces for a strong El Niño from October 2026, with Botswana facing extreme heat and drought threats that could strain water, food systems, and livelihoods. Wellness Through Sport: Botswana reaffirmed sport’s role in health and youth development, citing rising non-communicable diseases linked to inactivity and pushing community and school sport programmes. Food & Farming for Health: Viva Organica founder Mmakwena Moesi is reframing Botswana’s food and farming approach around soil health, ecosystems, and public health. Community Immunity: Zimbabwe reported progress against polio after synchronized regional vaccination efforts targeting high-risk border and urban districts, including Botswana.

Medicine Shortage Showdown: Botswana’s worsening drug stock-outs hit a nerve at a Public Accounts Committee hearing, where Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs pressed Acting Central Medical Stores leadership over repeated shortages and patient harm, while the Ministry defended efforts to stabilise supply chains. HIV Prevention Push: Grindr for Equality pledged to connect 10 million LGBTQ+ people to HIV prevention by 2028, using in-app pathways to local testing and PrEP referrals—an access-focused message that echoes wider prevention gaps. Heat and Drought Risk: Southern Africa braces for a strong El Niño from late 2026, with forecasts pointing to extreme heat (35–45°C) and drought risk that could strain Botswana’s water and rain-fed agriculture. Youth and Jobs via Policy: Botswana formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, aiming to strengthen youth empowerment and employment—key for tackling health and wellbeing pressures linked to unemployment. Sport as Health Strategy: Botswana reiterated that sport can prevent non-communicable diseases by boosting physical activity and mental wellbeing, with plans to revive school sport and expand community programmes. Local Marathon Impact: The Orange Phikwe National Marathon marked 10 years of changing lives, highlighting sport’s role in tourism and local business demand in Selebi-Phikwe.

Medicine Supply & Accountability: Botswana’s medicine crisis took centre stage at Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, with MPs and Central Medical Stores officials trading sharp blame over shortages and expired drugs—while patients’ access to essential medicines remains the urgent concern. Animal Health & Disease Control: Government says Foot and Mouth Disease is being suppressed in parts of the North East through vaccination, while more complex areas still have active cases; containment fencing work is underway. Public Health & Immunisation: Zimbabwe reports it has kept cVDPV2 out since June 2024, but stresses the risk from outbreaks in neighbouring countries and highlights a synchronized regional vaccination push that includes Botswana. Food Security & Nutrition: Botswana Development Corporation received the first 200 pregnant Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil to expand Milk Valley Farm and reduce the country’s large milk deficit. Youth & Health Futures: Botswana formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, aiming to strengthen youth empowerment and employment—key for long-term health and wellbeing outcomes. Safety in Nature: A tragic Okavango Delta incident recounts a hippo attack that killed a newlywed in front of her husband, underscoring risks during wildlife tours.

Medicine Crisis at PAC: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee hearing turned explosive as MPs and health officials traded blame over medicine shortages, expired drugs and public demand for accountability, with Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs accusing Central Medical Stores leadership and warning that patients are “paying with their lives.” FMD Control Update: Government says Foot-and-Mouth Disease is being suppressed through vaccination, with active cases expected to be extinguished in affected areas and a major containment fence project underway to support further recognition steps. Dairy Boost for Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation received the first 200 pregnant Girolando cows from Brazil, targeting a 1,000-cow herd expansion to raise domestic milk production and cut reliance on imports. Regional Immunity for Polio: Zimbabwe reports no cVDPV2 detected since June 2024, and joins Botswana and others in synchronized subregional vaccination campaigns focused on high-risk border and urban districts. Women’s Safety Lens: A new Women, Peace and Security ranking highlights where women face the greatest risks and where inclusion, justice and security are strongest—useful context for health and wellbeing planning. Health & Wellness in Travel: A travel-health piece flags real-world risks like foodborne illness and travel anxiety, urging practical steps to protect mental and physical wellbeing while moving around.

Medicine supply pressure: Botswana’s medicine crisis stayed in the spotlight as MPs and officials clashed at the Public Accounts Committee, with Central Medical Stores and health leadership trading blame over shortages and expired drugs, while patients’ access to essentials was raised as a life-and-death issue. FMD control updates: The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture says Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in parts of the north-east have been suppressed through vaccination, with “simmering down” in initially infected areas and continued active cases in newly affected zones expected to be extinguished by further vaccination rounds; containment fencing work is also underway. Youth and jobs push: Botswana formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, aiming to unlock stronger youth empowerment and employment support, as youth unemployment remains high. Food security via dairy: Botswana Development Corporation received 200 pregnant Girolando cows to expand Milk Valley Farm and help close a large national milk deficit. Public health systems in the region: A SADC health procurement “paradox” was highlighted: countries spend heavily on medicines, yet shortages persist, with slow progress on a regional pooled procurement plan. Safety and wellness: A widely shared account revisited a fatal hippo attack in the Okavango Delta, underscoring ongoing risks around wildlife tourism.

Medicine crisis at PAC: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee hearing reignited the medicine shortage debate, with MPs and Central Medical Stores officials trading blame over expired drugs, supply failures and patient deaths linked to missing essentials. Foot-and-mouth disease update: The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture says FMD outbreaks in parts of the North East have been suppressed through vaccination, while “active cases” remain in newly affected areas and a containment fence project is underway. Polio protection push: Zimbabwe reports no cVDPV2 detections since June 2024, and joins a synchronized regional vaccination effort with Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana to protect children under five in high-risk border and urban districts. SADC health procurement paradox: A regional call is renewed for pooled medicine purchasing, after years of slow rollout leave clinics still facing drug and supply shortages despite large spending. Dairy boost for food security: Botswana Development Corporation received 200 pregnant Girolando cows for Milk Valley Farm, aiming to cut the national milk deficit and strengthen local production. Youth charter for jobs: Botswana formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, positioning it to unlock youth employment and participation support under Vision 2036. Wildlife risk reminder: A tragic Okavango Delta incident saw a newlywed killed by a hippo during a canoe tour, underscoring safety needs around wildlife.

Private Healthcare VAT: Starting 1 August 2026, patients using private healthcare in Botswana will begin paying VAT on medical treatments, a move BURS says is meant to broaden the tax base and improve fairness—prompting strong pushback from doctors, dentists, and medical practitioners who warn it could make care less affordable and delay treatment. Medicine Crisis at PAC: A heated Public Accounts Committee hearing exposed blame over Botswana’s medicine shortages, expired drugs, and public demand for accountability, with MPs and Central Medical Stores officials trading accusations as patients’ access to essential medicines remains a major concern. FMD Control Update: Botswana’s agriculture minister says Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in parts of the north east have been suppressed through vaccination, while other areas still have active cases expected to be extinguished in later vaccination rounds, alongside ongoing containment fencing work. Youth Charter for Jobs: Botswana has acceded to the African Youth Charter, with government framing it as a boost for youth empowerment, employment, and participation in decision-making. Dairy Push: Botswana Development Corporation received the first 200 pregnant Girolando cows from Brazil for Milk Valley Farm, aiming to expand local milk production and cut the national dairy deficit.

Private Healthcare VAT Debate: From 1 August 2026, private healthcare patients in Botswana will start paying VAT on medical treatment, triggering pushback from doctors, dentists and medical practitioners who warn it could make care less affordable and push people to delay treatment. Medicine Crisis at PAC: A heated Public Accounts Committee hearing exposed blame over medicine shortages, expired drugs and accountability gaps at Central Medical Stores, with MPs alleging patients are paying with their lives. SADC Health Procurement Paradox: Across the region, governments spend billions on medicines but clinics still face stockouts; experts point to slow rollout of a pooled procurement system as a key fix that’s not moving fast enough. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Update: Government says FMD suppression is underway in parts of the North East, with vaccination and containment fencing progressing, while some zones still show active cases. Dairy Boost for Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation has started importing 200 pregnant Girolando cows to Milk Valley Farm, aiming to cut the national milk deficit and expand domestic production. Youth Charter for Jobs: Botswana has acceded to the African Youth Charter, framed as a step toward stronger youth empowerment and employment support. Health Clinic Monitoring: U.S. Civil Affairs Team Botswana conducted in-person monitoring of 14 medical clinics to check that resources are used for agreed healthcare purposes.

Medicine Crisis at PAC: Botswana’s medicine crisis flared at the Public Accounts Committee hearing, with MPs and Central Medical Stores officials trading blame over shortages and expired drugs, while patients’ access to essential treatment remains the flashpoint. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Update: The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture says Foot and Mouth Disease is being suppressed in parts of the North East through vaccination, with more complex areas still seeing active cases expected to be extinguished in later rounds, alongside ongoing containment fence work. Private Healthcare VAT Sparks Pushback: From 1 August 2026, private healthcare services will face VAT under BURS tax reforms, but doctors, dentists and medical practitioners’ groups warn it could make care less affordable and delay treatment. Dairy Boost for Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation has started a 1,000-cow expansion with the arrival of 200 pregnant Girolando cattle for Milk Valley Farm, aiming to cut the big milk deficit and reduce reliance on imports. SADC Health Procurement Slowdown: A regional health procurement “paradox” is highlighted: countries spend heavily on medicines, yet shortages persist, while a long-approved SADC pooled procurement plan still moves too slowly. Child Marriage Fight: BONELA reports child marriages continue in some communities, linking the practice to school dropouts and early pregnancy risks, and calls for stronger protection action.

Medicine Crisis at PAC: Botswana’s medicine crisis flared at Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, with MPs and health officials trading blame over shortages, expired drugs and accountability gaps at Central Medical Stores, while Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs warned patients are “paying with their lives.” Blood Supply Warnings: The WHO flags structural weaknesses in Botswana’s National Blood Transfusion Service, citing fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring shortages that could threaten safe, reliable blood availability. Private Healthcare VAT Pushback: Doctors, dentists and medical practitioners oppose planned VAT on private healthcare from 1 August 2026, warning it could make care unaffordable and drive patients to delay treatment. FMD Battle Update: Government says Foot-and-Mouth Disease is being suppressed in parts of the North East through vaccination, while more complex zones still have active cases and a major containment fence project is underway. Dairy Boost: Botswana Development Corporation begins a phased expansion with 200 pregnant Girolando cows arriving for Milk Valley Farm, aiming to cut the milk deficit and reduce reliance on imports.

Private Healthcare VAT Fight: Botswana’s doctors, dentists and medical practitioners are pushing back hard against plans to charge VAT on private medical services from 1 August 2026, warning it could make care unaffordable and drive patients to delay treatment. Blood Supply Worries: A WHO review flags serious weaknesses in Botswana’s blood transfusion system, including fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring shortages of lab supplies—raising risks to safe, reliable blood availability. Dairy Expansion for Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation’s Milk Valley Farm is set to expand after the arrival of the first 200 pregnant Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil, kicking off a 1,000-cow programme aimed at boosting local milk production and reducing imports. Health System Support via Finance: BDC and BADEA have agreed a €100 million financing package, including trade finance that can support procurement of medicines, consumables and equipment for hospitals. Animal Health (FMD): Botswana is part of a SADC push to coordinate cross-border action against foot-and-mouth disease, including shared vaccination and stronger diagnostics. Community Health Infrastructure: U.S. Civil Affairs Team Botswana conducted monitoring assessments of 14 medical clinics, checking how humanitarian resources are being used to support primary care. Child Protection: BONELA reports ongoing child marriage in parts of Botswana, linking it to school dropout and early pregnancy risks.

Private Healthcare VAT Debate: From 1 August 2026, patients using private healthcare will pay VAT on medical services, sparking pushback from the Botswana Doctors Union, Botswana Dental Association and Medical Practitioners Group, who warn it could make care less affordable and delay treatment. Blood Safety Watch: A WHO review flags weaknesses in Botswana’s blood transfusion system, including fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and supply shortages, calling for urgent reforms to protect safe, reliable blood availability. Returnees Reintegration: Government says over 15,000 of more than 108,000 Zimbabweans repatriated from South Africa have been registered for employment, with reintegration support including skills registration, healthcare at reception centres and transport via bus trips. Dairy Expansion: Botswana Development Corporation has started a phased import of 200 pregnant Girolando cows from Brazil, beginning a 1,000-cattle plan to boost local milk production and reduce reliance on imports. Food Poisoning Lawsuit: Gaborone City Council fined Spar Broadhurst after a customer claimed illness from allegedly expired mabele mageu, with the case now in the High Court. Child Marriage Fight: BONELA reports child marriages persist in some communities, linking the practice to school dropouts and early pregnancy risks, and calls for stronger protection. Regional Animal Health: SADC countries, including Botswana, are coordinating a cross-border plan to tackle foot-and-mouth disease, including diagnostics, vaccinations and a transboundary disease strategy.

Blood Safety Watch: WHO warns Botswana’s National Blood Transfusion Service is under strain, citing fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems, and recurring shortages of lab supplies—urging urgent reforms to protect safe, reliable blood access. Healthcare Costs Fight: Botswana’s doctors, dentists and medical practitioners’ groups oppose proposed VAT on private healthcare, warning it could push treatment out of reach and worsen pressure on an already overstretched public system. Public Health Policy Pushback: A fast-growing petition challenges the private healthcare tax, framing it as a human-rights issue and calling on President Duma Boko to protect access to care. Food Safety in Focus: Gaborone City Council fined Spar Broadhurst after a court case alleged a customer fell ill from expired Spar mabele mageu, with hygiene concerns also flagged during inspection. Child Protection: BONELA reports child marriages persist in parts of Botswana, linking the practice to school dropouts and early pregnancy risks. Disease Preparedness (Regional): SADC countries, including Botswana, are coordinating a cross-border foot-and-mouth disease strategy with joint action plans, diagnostics and vaccination coordination. Clinic Support Monitoring: A U.S. Civil Affairs team assessed 14 Botswana medical clinics to verify that humanitarian resources are used for their intended purposes, including facilities originally built for COVID-19 care.

Blood Safety Watch: WHO warns Botswana’s National Blood Transfusion Service faces serious weaknesses—fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems, and recurring shortages of lab supplies—calling for urgent reforms to protect safe, reliable blood. Healthcare Cost Fight: Botswana’s doctors, dentists and medical practitioners are pushing back hard against proposed VAT on private healthcare, saying it could make treatment unaffordable and drive patients to delay care. Public Pressure Builds: A fast-growing petition against the private health tax has already gathered thousands of signatures, framing healthcare as a human right and challenging President Duma Boko’s “human rights” agenda. Child Protection Alarm: BONELA reports child marriages persist in parts of Botswana, linking the practice to cultural and religious beliefs and noting school dropouts and early pregnancy risks. Food Safety Lawsuit: Gaborone City Council fined Spar Broadhurst after a court case alleged a customer fell ill from expired mabele mageu, with hygiene concerns also found during inspections. Animal Health Collaboration: Botswana and South Africa are part of a SADC push to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, including joint action plans, better diagnostics, and coordinated cross-border vaccination.