Africa-Press – Botswana. The UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Ms. Lydia Zigomo, paid a courtesy call on the Assistant Minister of Health, Hon. Lawrence Ookeditse, yesterday in Gaborone. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Botswana and the United Nations Population Fund in advancing key health priorities.
Ms. Zigomo, who is based in South Africa, said her visit aimed to assess Botswana’s progress in addressing critical health challenges, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Maternal Health, Family Planning, and Adolescent Health. She expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to continue supporting Botswana in bridging existing gaps within the health sector.
She emphasized that UNFPA remains dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. The Regional Director commended Botswana’s government for its continued investment in health programs that align with UNFPA’s global mandate.
Assistant Minister Ookeditse welcomed Ms. Zigomo and thanked UNFPA for its consistent partnership and technical assistance over the years. He highlighted that Botswana’s current focus is on strengthening primary health care, ensuring that most health conditions are detected and managed at an early stage. He added that this approach would improve health outcomes and reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals.
The discussion also covered areas for future cooperation, including health systems strengthening, data collection, and improving access to quality reproductive health services for rural and underserved populations. Both parties agreed on the importance of sustainable health financing and community engagement in achieving long-term impact.
UNFPA has been a key development partner for Botswana, supporting programs that promote gender equality, reproductive rights, and youth empowerment. Through this continued collaboration, Botswana aims to build a resilient health system capable of meeting the needs of all citizens. Ms. Zigomo’s visit reaffirmed UNFPA’s ongoing commitment to work with Botswana in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality health care for all.
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