Botswana has successfully launched the introduction of the Measles Rubella vaccine introduction and Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) in the capital city Gaborone on Monday July 25th 2016 at a ground breaking ceremony.

Honourable Minister of Health Dorcas Makgato informed the audience of her passion and belief in disease prevention. She stated that her Ministry is in the forefront of promoting primary health care. The Hon. Minister stated that the campaign is an effective way to increase coverage and improve access to immunization services. The Hon Minister commended WHO, UNICEF, NGO, religious and community leaders for their continued support to immunization services. She also highlighted the importance of working as a team with other line Ministries such as Education, Labour and Home Affairs and Local Government and Rural Development. 

Kgosi Koitsiwe, a prominent community leader, in his remarks encouraged the audience to mobilize their respective neighbourhoods and families to bring their children for vaccinations. Kgosi reminded the audience that vaccines were children’s rights. “Let us unite and eradicate measles and rubella” he concluded.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the ONE UN Botswana, the WHO Representative, Dr Martins Ovberedjo, praised the government of Botswana for its visionary leadership and commitment to health. “It goes without say that this measles rubella launch truly demonstrates the astute visionary leadership of the management of the Ministry of Health under the able leadership of Hon Dorcas Makgato. Botswana has a commendable political commitment in availing resources for the health of its population” he echoed.  Dr Ovberedjo assured the country of the United Nations’ continuous technical support for immunization services.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of Health Ms Veronica Leburu, in her comment informed the audience that the Ministry has a track record in implementing activities to promote increased access to immunization services for the population. Measles campaigns were conducted every 4 years in line with WHO policy guidelines. The current campaign target of 9 months to 14 years of age is based on that strategy.   

As part of the launch the MOH organized a 10km health walk from one of the capital’s highly populated suburbs, Old Naledi to promote NCD health Campaign. The health walk enthusiasts including community members and volunteers from NGOs, CSO, religious leaders, soldiers, police WHO staff and MOH and DHMT officials started the marching at 07:00Hours. The exciting event saw seven year old volunteer from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Master Maxmillian Thebe, emerged as the lead in the march to the venue of the measles rubella launch site.  The audience was thereafter entertained in interludes by a variety of traditional dances, plays and poetry organized to stimulate community mobilization.

The closing remarks of the day’s event were delivered Honourable Councillor Mathogojane who thanked the audience for their participation and WHO for active involvement in the campaign.