Botswana has initiated efforts to align with the Continental Framework for Mortality Surveillance in Africa developed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The continental framework seeks to help African countries deal with future pandemics and/or other health care emergencies that may arise.
To this end, Botswana has commenced implementation efforts, which were recently highlighted by the Assistant Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop held in Gaborone. It emerged during the meeting that the framework aims to explore and establish systems that promote early detection and timely responses to pandemics.
The Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Health, Ookeditse, noted the timeliness of the framework, saying that there is an urgent need for improved data collection and analysis within the health sector. “Reliable data is strategic and guides policies. This component is critically important as it will also enhance care provision for all,” said Ookeditse.
Ookeditse acknowledged Botswana’s ongoing challenges with mortality reporting, stressing the importance of addressing health complexities with speed. “With disease outbreaks, the country must commit to a high-level effort in improving the capture of mortality data. Our ability to respond depends on this data. We are exploring innovations, and Botswana is redefining how it understands and utilises data,” he said.
