On the 13th September, 2010 Government of Botswana through Ministry of Health with the support from WHO and other partners launched the malaria elimination campaign to mark the beginning of intensified efforts by Botswana to kick out malaria within its borders. The launch brought together policy makers, decision makers, the private sector and other stakeholders to highlight that malaria elimination will be everyone’s

During the launch of the campaign the Malaria Strategic Plan was also launched. The country has just finalised MSP2010-2015 with technical guidance from WHO. The new MSP will guide the country in the implementation of activities that will assist in the achievement of the goal of zero local malaria transmission in Botswana by 2015.Advocacy for malaria elimination is viewed as critical as the whole exercise will require a significant amount of resources including funding which cannot be the Ministry of Health responsibility alone. As such, donors and other stakeholders would be expected to play their respective roles. The elimination campaign centred on the slogan’ Unite to end malaria.

The Minister of Health, Dr. John Seakgosing officially launched the campaign and he called upon the Private Sector and other Government Ministries and Departments to support his Ministry to fight malaria in line with the country’s aspiration of a malaria free Botswana by 2015. The Minister also made an appeal to community leaders to support this initiative. In his address he emphasised that the significant reduction in malaria morbidity and mortality realised over the past few years in Botswana has necessitated re-orientation of the programme towards the elimination goal.

The Minister further launched the campaign logo”Nyeletsa Malaria” meaning “eliminate “malaria.” The logo has been developed to identify and brand the elimination campaign. Finally he introduced the malaria ambassador, Mrs Joy Phumaphi and the malaria elimination campaign champions namely: Members of Parliament for Nata/Gweta Mr.Raynor Makosha, Member of Parliament for Chobe Mr.Gibson Nshimwe, Miss Botswana (2010) Emma Warreus and Artist and radio presenter Mr. Thato Scar Matlhabaphiri.

In his remarks World Health Organisation Representative Dr. Eugene Nyarko congratulated the Ministry of Health for having taken the bold decision to make Botswana malaria free. He assured the gathering that the World Health Organisation and the rest of UN family are committed to the approach of global accelerated malaria control and elimination. He said vigilance on epidemics and outbreaks should be exercised as epidemics can reverse all the efforts and achievements that have been made so far. He stressed that that the epidemic preparedness plan of action should be strengthened and used to identify epidemic- prone areas and populations at risk, to allow prediction, early detection and targeting of rapid response.

For the elimination efforts to be successful, he cited that Botswana will have to work closely with its neighbours to foster cross-border and regional collaboration. In conclusion he reaffirmed the commitment of WHO and the rest of UN system to continue to support the Government’s efforts in the direction of malaria elimination and he urged all stakeholders including civil society to join hands to make this a reality.
 

The Member of Parliament for Chobe who is also a malaria champion spoke on behalf of other champions and assured the Minister and all the participants that the champions will do their part to make this initiative a success.