23 September 2025
The United Arab Emirates has delivered 91 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Botswana, offering critical relief as the country battles a worsening public health emergency marked by severe shortages in hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Botswana’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that the consignment arrived on Sunday, describing the donation as timely support amid a collapse of the national medical supply chain.
Last month, Botswana’s President Duma Boko declared a national public health emergency after widespread disruptions at the Central Medical Stores left health facilities unable to meet basic patient needs.
The crisis, which began escalating in early August, forced the postponement of all non-urgent surgeries and triggered warnings over dwindling stocks of essential medications, including treatments for hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis and mental health conditions.
Boko attributed the breakdown to inflated procurement costs and systemic inefficiencies that have led to waste and damage across the supply system.
The UAE’s donation is expected to ease immediate pressure on frontline health workers and patients although officials say long-term reforms are needed to restore stability and accountability in Botswana’s medical logistics infrastructure.
Source: https://shorturl.at/A623N
