Africa-Press – Botswana. Boteti District community home based care volunteers have been praised for doing a sterling job in taking care of sick people at homes.
Speaking recently at an event of appreciation and thanksgiving dedicated to clients or patients that are cared for at home and registered on the CHBC programme, Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said his ministry recognised and appreciated volunteers’ job.
Mr Lelatisitswe, who is also Boteti East MP, said community home based care givers played a vital role in the country’s health system as they ease the burden on nurses.
He said CHBC in Botswana was established in 1995 as a response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, while the programme was implemented by the health ministry through clinics and hospitals as well as the community through volunteer programmes and NGOs.
Boteti District through the District Health Management Team offers CHBC in all its 20 health facilities and there are currently 100 volunteers in the district.
Due to successful ART programme, less people progress to AIDS, hence the majority of CHBC patients are currently those diagnosed with cancer, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, mental health and some are people with disability.
As at October, the district had 225 patients, while 15 deaths were recorded from January to date.
As the economy is gradually recovering from the COVID-19 impact, Mr Lelatisitswe said the CHBC programme had challenges of unavailability of commodities such as red plastic bags, diapers, air fresheners and detergents.
Shortage of transport and delayed clinical waste were also said to be among challenges faced by the programme.
The minister therefore, pledged personal protective equipment to be delivered in January 2024.
The appreciation and thanksgiving event was organised by CHBC volunteers and Letlhakane clinic staff.
District community home based care coordinator, Ms Kegomoditswe Ramotswetla said the objective was to show CHBC clients some love and make them feel appreciated by the community.
Another objective she said was to appreciate what CHBC volunteers were doing, hence award of certificates.
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