by ODIRILE TOTENG
GABORONE – BOTSWANA’S President Duma Boko has earned widespread praise across Africa after announcing a massive P5 billion (US\$374 million) investment to overhaul the country’s struggling public healthcare system.
The bold move comes at a time when many African leaders, ministers, and well-connected elites routinely seek medical treatment abroad—in Europe, Asia, or America—while ordinary citizens face preventable deaths due to medicine shortages, delayed surgeries, and weak health infrastructure.
On Monday, President Boko declared a State of Public Health Emergency, citing a crisis that has seen hospitals nationwide crippled by a lack of essential drugs and chronic patients left untreated.
“We are unapologetic in fixing this system once and for all,” Boko declared. “We have launched the P5 billion Health First Botswana Partnership Fund, beginning with P100 million from the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), to ensure transparent, sustainable, and reliable access to medicines for every citizen.”
He confirmed that emergency medical supplies worth P250 million were already being secured, while long-term reforms will dismantle inflated procurement costs, inefficiencies, and corrupt middlemen.
“This government will not rest until every Motswana has uninterrupted access to quality healthcare,” he emphasized.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of admiration across Africa, with citizens hailing Boko’s leadership as a model for the continent.
“This continent needs more presidents like Duma Boko of Botswana and Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who stand against corruption,” said Amaka Adesina from Nigeria.
Others praised his vision for a self-reliant health sector, calling on Botswana to also invest in research on indigenous medicinal plants.
Analysts noted that Botswana’s relatively small population and strong resource base give it a unique chance to build a world-class healthcare system under committed leadership.
Observers further stressed that Boko’s decision highlights a broader contrast in African governance—where some leaders prioritize domestic reform, while others depend on foreign hospitals for care.
“Botswana is showing Africa that with vision, accountability, and resources, a stronger and healthier nation is possible,” said Anthony Royal, a regional commentator.
P here stands for Pula, a Botswana currncy.
– CAJ News
