Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana has secured a US$50 million (about 700 million Pula) health grant from the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation to strengthen maternal and primary healthcare services, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday.
The five-year grant, which commenced in November, includes an initial disbursement of US$10 million (about 135 million Pula).
According to ministry spokesperson Christopher Nyanga, the funding would support efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, improve access to family planning, and enhance service delivery through integrated policies and standards.
The initiative also includes the continuous supply of essential medicines, contraceptives and family planning commodities.
“The grant, therefore, aims to help Botswana strengthen maternal and primary health care services, thereby contributing to the nationwide reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality.”
In response to rising cancer rates, the grant will bolster cervical and breast cancer prevention through early detection and prompt treatment.
The pact followed high-level discussions earlier this year between President Duma Boko, Health Minister Stephen Modise, and foundation representatives aimed at transforming Botswana’s health sector, with a focus on maternal health.
Botswana aims to lower its maternal mortality rate from 155 to 70 per 100,000 live births and reduce under-five mortality from 28.4 to 14 per 1,000 live births.
The grant is also expected to raise the country’s universal health coverage index from 55 (2021) to 75.
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