AGP Executive Report

Ebola Screening: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers at the Tlokweng Border Post have resisted Ebola screening, but insists the cases are isolated and being closely monitored while awareness efforts continue. Polio Vaccination Drive: Health authorities have launched a four-day polio campaign (June 8–11, 2026) using house-to-house visits and set sites to reach every eligible child and protect Botswana’s polio-free status. Adolescent Mental Health: Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia report that a youth-led “Safe Haven” intervention model in Botswana shows promise for teens and young adults, especially underserved groups and young people living with HIV. Lead Poisoning Risk: A BirdLife Botswana workshop in Maun warned of lead contamination linked to dying vultures and failing kidneys, with concerns that contaminated game meat, toxic drinking water, and unregulated backyard cookware could also be harming people. Local Care Support: Farouk Ismail Group donated hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol-related medicines to Athlone Hospital, citing ongoing drug shortages and community support needs. Wildlife Health Link: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa received eight-year prison sentences, highlighting how wildlife crime and illegal trade continue to threaten biodiversity and public health.

Ebola Screening at Tlokweng: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers have resisted Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, but insists the cases are isolated and being managed through awareness and monitoring. Polio Vaccination Drive: A nationwide polio campaign (June 8–11) is underway with house-to-house and site-based vaccination to protect children and maintain Botswana’s polio-free status. Mental Health for Youth: CHOP researchers report a promising youth-delivered mental health intervention in Botswana, using a youth-led problem-solving therapy model for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, and substance use. Pharma Market Move: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has approved CFAO Healthcare’s plan to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, to expand the local supply chain. Lead Poisoning Warning: Experts warn of a serious lead exposure risk linked to dying vultures and failing kidneys, with concerns about contaminated game meat, toxic drinking water, and unregulated backyard cookware. Drug Supply Support: Farouk Ismail Group has donated hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes medicines to Athlone Hospital, citing ongoing drug shortages. Conservation & Health Link: Wildlife-human interaction research highlights how disease outbreaks and changing rules/practices can shift health risks and coexistence outcomes.

Ebola Screening at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers have resisted Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, but officials insist the cases are isolated and being closely monitored while awareness efforts continue. Polio Vaccination Drive: A nationwide polio campaign runs June 8–11, using house-to-house visits and fixed sites to reach every eligible child and protect Botswana’s polio-free status. Mental Health for Youth: Researchers linked to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia report a promising youth-led mental health approach for Botswana adolescents and young adults, including support for those living with HIV. Pharma Supply Chain Boost: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has approved CFAO Healthcare’s plan to buy a controlling stake in Medswana, a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, aiming to strengthen medicine distribution. Lead Poisoning Warning: Health and environmental experts warn of lead exposure risks tied to contaminated game meat, toxic drinking water, and unregulated backyard cookware, with concerns raised after vulture declines linked to lead poisoning. Community Health Support: Farouk Ismail Group has donated hypertension, diabetes and related medicines to Athlone Hospital, citing drug shortages and community need.

Ebola Screening at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says there have been isolated cases of travellers refusing Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, but insists the situation is under control while awareness efforts continue. Polio Immunisation Push: A nationwide polio campaign (June 8–11) is underway to reach every eligible child with vaccine drops through house-to-house visits and selected sites, aiming to protect Botswana’s polio-free status. Mental Health for Youth: Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia report a promising youth-led mental health intervention model for Botswana adolescents and young adults, including support for those living with HIV. Pharma Supply Boost: Farouk Ismail Group has donated blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes medicines to Athlone Hospital, citing ongoing drug shortages and community support needs. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation highlights continued cancer capacity-building across Africa, including scholarships and training programmes aimed at improving oncology care and early diagnosis. Pharmaceutical Market Move: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has approved CFAO Healthcare’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Medswana, a major step for strengthening the country’s medicine supply chain.

Ebola Screening at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says a small number of travellers resisted Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, but insists the situation is isolated and being managed through awareness and monitoring. Mental Health for Youth: CHOP researchers report a promising youth-led mental health approach in Botswana, using trained youth facilitators to deliver problem-solving therapy for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and substance use—especially for underserved teens and young people living with HIV. Polio Vaccination Push: A four-day national campaign (June 8–11) is underway to reach every eligible child with polio vaccine drops through house-to-house visits and vaccination sites, aiming to protect Botswana’s polio-free status. Pharma Market Move: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has approved CFAO Healthcare’s plan to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, with regulators saying it’s unlikely to harm competition. Drug Supply Support: The Farouk Ismail Group donated hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol medicines to Athlone Hospital in Lobatse, citing ongoing drug shortages and community need.

Ebola Preparedness: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says resistance to Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post has been reported, but insists it’s isolated and being managed through awareness and monitoring. Adolescent Mental Health: CHOP researchers report a youth-led “Safe Haven” approach in Botswana shows promise for teens and young adults, especially underserved groups and young people living with HIV. Polio Vaccination Drive: A nationwide polio campaign runs June 8–11, with teams doing house-to-house visits and site-based vaccination to protect children and maintain Botswana’s polio-free status. Pharma Supply & Competition: French healthcare group CFAO Healthcare received unconditional CCA approval to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major pharmaceutical wholesaler, expanding Botswana’s medicines supply chain. Local Care Support: Athlone received a medical donation of hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes medicines, aimed at easing drug shortages and supporting community health needs. Wildlife Health & Safety: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years, underscoring the health and conservation risks linked to illegal wildlife trade. Debt Pressure: Botswana was ranked top for the fastest-growing debt surge globally, raising concerns about what rising borrowing could mean for households and public services. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation highlights ongoing cancer training scholarships and awareness work across Africa, including efforts to strengthen oncology care teams.

Pharma Supply Boost: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has cleared CFAO Healthcare’s plan to buy a 75% stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—an important move for medicine availability and competition in the supply chain. Cancer Care Investment: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are receiving new radiotherapy equipment, funded through the sugar content tax on beverages—linking public health spending to cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Public Health Priority—Safe Water: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—highlighting the need for stronger water and sanitation systems. Diabetes & Heart Medicines Donation: Athlone received a medical consignment including drugs for high blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol-related conditions and diabetes—supporting care during ongoing medicine shortages. Debt Pressure Watch: Botswana is again in the spotlight for the fastest-growing government debt surge, raising questions about what mounting borrowing means for households and health-linked public services. Conservation & Wellness Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen conservation monitoring and visitor education—supporting sustainable tourism that can benefit local livelihoods.

Pharma Market Move: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has given unconditional approval for French healthcare group CFAO Healthcare to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—an expansion aimed at strengthening the country’s medicine supply chain. Drug Access Support: Athlone Hospital in Lobatse received a medication consignment for conditions including hypertension, cholesterol-related illnesses and diabetes, as Farouk Ismail Group cited ongoing community support amid drug shortages. Cancer Care Investment: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are set to receive new radiotherapy equipment funded through the Sugar Content Tax, with the first low-energy machine expected to be operational by end of June—highlighting how health taxes can translate into treatment capacity. Safe Water Warning: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—reinforcing the need for safer water and sanitation. Community Health & Inclusion: Botswana’s LGBTQI+ legal progress continues as unconstitutional criminal provisions are formally repealed, a change that can improve access to healthcare and reduce fear of reporting violence. Sports & Youth: Isaac Makwala has launched a foundation to support young people through sport, education and mentorship, with a public launch in Gaborone on 19 June.

Pharma Market Watch: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has given unconditional approval for French healthcare group CFAO Healthcare to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, a major local pharmaceutical wholesaler—clearing a key move to expand Botswana’s medicines supply chain. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation, alongside African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, is continuing cancer capacity-building across Africa through hundreds of oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness materials tied to World Cancer Day. Livestock Health Policy: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the outbreak in the northeast; movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived fresh products is now allowed under veterinary permits and seals. Nutrition & Food Safety Talk: A viral social media clip about pork trotters at a South African butchery sparked debate on nutrition benefits and risks of eating pig’s feet. Water Safety: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for safer water and sanitation. Health Tech & Access: In Zimbabwe, a radiotherapy equipment upgrade at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa is underway, funded via a sugar content tax—aimed at reducing delays and high costs for cancer treatment.

Job insecurity in mining: Al Jazeera reports on a year since a Debswana contractor, Motshwegwa Rakhudu, was retrenched after 14 years, describing sudden job loss, unpaid compensation and mounting debt—highlighting how precarious contract work can quickly turn into health and household crises. Health-linked charity and access: Botswana’s 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July) will honour Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and is framed around “Sports and Tourism: Driving Health, Culture,” with support areas including education, healthcare, youth rehabilitation and poverty alleviation. Livestock disease controls: Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppression of the outbreak in the north-east, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products—important for food security and livelihoods. Water safety warning: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—an urgent reminder for Botswana’s water and sanitation planning. Tobacco control push: Botswana is urged to fast-track tobacco control regulations as a new report warns of rising industry influence.

Climate & health risks: South Africa’s recent storms and heat waves are being linked to global warming, with experts warning that even when extreme weather can be forecast, its intensity in specific places can still surprise communities—raising concerns for lives, housing, roads and utilities. Cancer care funding: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo Central Hospital is set to receive new radiotherapy equipment, funded through a sugar content tax on beverages, aiming to cut the need for costly treatment abroad and reduce long waiting lists. Safe water crisis: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure, poor sanitation and climate pressure. Livestock disease control: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing more movement of cloven-hoofed animals under veterinary permits—important for food security and trade. HIV prevention: South Africa plans to roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, to hundreds of clinics, targeting high-burden areas to reduce new infections. Community inclusion: A report highlights how telecoms like Safaricom and Vodacom are improving digital access for persons with disabilities—relevant as more health and services go online.

De Beers Deal Watch: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman as it weighs options to increase its stake in De Beers, with diamonds still driving about 80% of export earnings and a quarter of GDP—at a time when prices are under pressure from lab-grown competition and weaker demand. Livestock Health Update: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the northeastern outbreak; movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products is now allowed under veterinary permits and seals, supporting recovery in a sector that faces major revenue risks. Safe Water Alert: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate stress. HIV Prevention Rollout (Regional): South Africa plans to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, targeting high-burden areas through rollout to hundreds of clinics. Conservation & Health Link: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen monitoring and visitor education, supporting long-term animal health and safety. Public Health in Conflict Zones: Kuwait reported one death and 63 injuries after an airport strike, with health services treating severe trauma and smoke inhalation.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, at 360 clinics, with Ramaphosa expected to officially roll it out—an important regional signal for Botswana’s own HIV prevention planning. Cancer Care Funding Link: Zimbabwe’s Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals are receiving new radiotherapy equipment funded through the Sugar Content Tax, turning a beverage tax into tangible cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Safe Water Warning: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa—relevant for Botswana’s water safety and sanitation priorities. FMD Controls Eased: Botswana has relaxed Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products—good news for livelihoods and trade. Xenophobia and Health Impacts: A new commentary questions why South African business leaders stay silent during xenophobic violence, highlighting knock-on risks to healthcare workers, workers’ livelihoods, and regional economic stability. Child Protection Alarm: A Zimbabwe case where an 11-year-old gave birth amid alleged abuse spotlights urgent gaps in child protection and safeguarding systems. LGBTQI+ Rights: Botswana’s formal repeal of outdated criminal provisions is framed as a mental health and access-to-care turning point for LGBTQI+ people.

LGBTQI+ Rights Update: Botswana moves to formally repeal criminal provisions tied to LGBTQI+ identity, aligning the law with constitutional dignity and helping people seek healthcare and report violence without fear. Safe Water Watch: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Cancer Care Funding Link: Zimbabwe’s radiotherapy upgrade plan ties proceeds from a sugar content tax to new cancer equipment, with early deliveries already underway—an example of how health taxes can translate into treatment capacity. FMD Control Changes: Botswana eases Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products to support livelihoods while keeping veterinary oversight. Boy Child & Mental Health: Botswana’s First Lady calls for stronger support for boys alongside girls, while nurses warn that neglect and “stoicism culture” can worsen men’s mental health and delay care. Regional Health Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly pushed South Africa to source FMD vaccines from Argentina, risking export and vaccination programme delays.

Infectious-disease risk at mass gatherings: With the 2026 World Cup drawing millions of fans and teams into the U.S., public health experts are warning that weakened disease surveillance could leave populations more exposed to outbreaks like Ebola and measles. Livestock health and trade: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after suppressing the northeastern outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products—good news for farmers and export planning. Regional vaccine supply pressure: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s FMD vaccination, forcing procurement of vaccines from Argentina and raising the stakes for timely regional disease control. Men’s mental health push: Botswana’s First Lady and the Botswana Nurses Union are urging stronger support for boys and men, including mental health education and earlier help-seeking, warning neglect and “stoicism culture” can fuel future harm. Child protection alarm: A Zimbabwe case involving an 11-year-old giving birth after alleged abuse highlights ongoing gaps in child protection and the health and social fallout of poverty. HIV prevention progress (regional): South Africa plans to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to hundreds of clinics.

FMD Relief for Botswana’s Beef Sector: Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after the northeastern outbreak was suppressed, allowing cloven-hoofed animal movement within affected zones under veterinary permits and seals, plus regulated movement of fresh products; officials warned 2026 revenue losses could have exceeded N$222 million without the recovery. FMD Vaccine Supply Disruption: Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions reportedly disrupted South Africa’s FMD vaccination deliveries, forcing South Africa to source matched vaccines from Argentina—an issue that can ripple into regional trade and food security. HIV Prevention Rollout (Regional Watch): South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned for hundreds of clinics—relevant for Botswana as the region watches new prevention options. Child Health & Protection Alarm (Neighbouring Zimbabwe): A Bulawayo-area case where an 11-year-old gave birth after alleged abuse has reignited calls for stronger child protection and mental health support systems. Men’s Mental Health Push: Botswana’s First Lady and nurses’ union leaders urged more support for boys and men, warning that neglect and “stoicism culture” can worsen suicide risk and future social instability.