Botswana: US Provides P280 Million Health Funding

The US government has provided over P280 million health support to Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, Botswana University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (BUMMHI), and Botswana Training and Education Centre for Health (B-TECH).

The provision of the funding was made known by US Ambassador to Botswana, Craig Cloud, who said that the money would assist the programmes developed by the three entities.

Cloud said that the US embassy was determined to achieving the goal of AIDS-free generation in Botswana and that the knowledge imparted on the locals through such initiatives would remain behind.

He noted that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) had made a great difference in Botswana.

Cloud said, ‘The money donated would also support the programmes, such as safe male circumcision (SMC), pre-exposure prophylaxes programme, improve laboratory systems and strengthening of data systems’.

Cloud congratulated BUMMHI, a partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS, adding that their wealth of experience and knowledge would go a long way in empowering government HIV and TB clinics and other HIV partners in the country.

He also congratulated B-TECH, a lead partner in cervical cancer screening and treatment among women living with HIV, noting that the US embassy was also looking forward to Botswana AIDS indicator survey data in order to attack the pandemic.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, who received the donation, thanked the US government for the gesture.

He said the US health partnership with Botswana was a proud legacy that came to the fore during the darkest period of the HIV pandemic.

Dikoloti said the cooperative agreements would assist in capacity building for the recipients in delivering sustainable health systems.

Source: Daily News

Photo source: Daily News

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