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Botswana has ramped up its commitment to malaria elimination, convening a critical workshop in Palapye from December 16–20, 2024, to finalize the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) for 2025–2029. Supported by WHO Botswana, the five-day workshop brought together health experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to develop a roadmap for achieving malaria-free status by 2029. Dr. Onkgopotse Oduetse, Public Health Specialist covering the area, who officially opened the workshop, emphasized the importance of adopting innovative approaches and strong belief among health professionals in the feasibility of malaria elimination. “We must approach malaria elimination with fresh perspectives and unwavering dedication to deliver tangible results,” she stated.
The finalized NMSP aims to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027, setting the stage for WHO certification of malaria-free status by 2030. The plan focuses on scaling up targeted vector control interventions such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) to reduce transmission. It also emphasizes strengthening case-based surveillance to effectively track and respond to malaria hotspots. Additionally, the NMSP prioritizes robust health promotion initiatives to engage communities, fostering collective ownership of malaria elimination efforts and ensuring sustainable progress. Speaking at the workshop, Mr Anderson Chinorumba from the Global Malaria Programme at WHO Geneva highlighted the need for collective efforts among stakeholders, including communities, government, private entities, and others. “Achieving malaria elimination demands unwavering political commitment, adequate resources, a skilled and motivated workforce, visionary leadership, and seamless stakeholder coordination,” Chinorumba said.He stressed the importance of tailored interventions, adding that Botswana’s elimination strategies should focus on district-specific needs. “What works in one district may not be suitable for another. Efforts must align with the unique circumstances and challenges of each area to achieve the shared goal of a malaria-free future,” he said.
On the sidelines of the workshop, WHO Botswana conducted a monitoring visit to villages and cattle posts in the greater Palapye area during the Malaria Indoor Residual Spraying Campaign, held from December 2 to December 20, 2024. Kelebogile Bathai, Principal Environmental Health Officer from the Serowe District Health Management Team (DHMT), explained that the campaign targeted malaria-prone areas such as Lerala village and its surrounding lands, Maunatlala village and its neighbouring farms, as well as Mogapi lands and cattle posts. Bathai noted that a team of 42 spray operators and three health promotion officers carried out the campaign, focusing on community mapping and mobilization. Activities included environmental and entomological surveillance, such as scooping larvae to detect Anopheles mosquito larvae, a key malaria vector. Findings from these efforts guided the implementation of corrective and preventive measures to reduce transmission. The workshop and supporting activities underscored Botswana’s commitment to achieving malaria elimination. With a strategic focus, innovative approaches, and collective effort, the country made significant strides toward a malaria-free future. Visionary leadership, district-specific interventions, and sustained community engagement were highlighted as critical elements in turning this vision into reality.
Delivering remarks at the end of the five-day meeting, which finalized Botswana’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2025–2030), Dr. Tebogo Madidimalo, the Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Lead at the WHO Botswana country office, commended the participants for their dedication and commitment throughout the week. He urged the National Malaria Elimination Programme to expedite processes within the Ministry of Health (MoH) for the sign-off of the document, targeting the first quarter of 2025 to facilitate the timely implementation of planned activities. Dr. Madidimalo concluded by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting Botswana in implementing key activities of the strategic plan to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination.
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