Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Medical Supply Shortages

Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Medical Supply Shortages
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Botswana, a country in Southern Africa, declared a public health emergency on Monday due to a nationwide failure in its medical supply chain, Reuters reported. President Duma Boko announced that hospitals and clinics are facing severe shortages of essential medicines and supplies. In response, the military will oversee an emergency distribution effort, with the first shipments leaving the capital, Gaborone, for remote areas by evening.

The health ministry had previously warned of depleting medical stocks in August, citing financial challenges and postponing non-urgent surgeries. Boko highlighted inflated procurement costs and inefficiencies within the distribution system, which have contributed to significant loss and waste. The government has approved emergency funding of 250 million pula (approximately R329 million) to address the crisis.

Botswana’s budget constraints are linked to a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market, its primary revenue source. The health sector has also been impacted by reduced funding from the U.S. administration. The shortage affects medicines for chronic diseases, cancer, mental health, and sexual reproductive health, along with medical supplies like dressings and sutures.