In a bold step toward strengthening public health, Botswana has developed its National Immunization Strategy (NIS) for 2025–2030. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health's Child Health Division Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Unit, with critical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and key stakeholders. The strategy aims to ensure robust protection against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) throughout the life course in alignment with regional and global immunization priorities, such as the Immunization Agenda 2030.

Reflecting on the previous Comprehensive Multi-Year Plan (CMYP) 2018–2022, significant milestones were achieved, including introducing new vaccines into the national schedule. Nevertheless, challenges such as funding constraints, low immunization coverages and data management limitations were encountered. In addition, challenges persist in reaching zero-dose and under-immunized populations, particularly in remote and marginalized communities, with coverages below the 90% target for the past three years.  Lessons learned from this period have informed the development of the NIS 2024-2028, emphasizing the need for sustainable financing, innovative service delivery models, and strengthened health systems. The NIS underscores Botswana's commitment to equitable, high-quality immunization services, aiming for impactful outcomes such as improved governance and accountability, expanding service delivery, data-driven improvements, optimized vaccine management, and community engagement.

The strategy was developed through a comprehensive consultation process involving national and subnational stakeholders, community representatives, healthcare workers, and other sectors. Workshops and situational analyses were conducted to gather diverse perspectives, ensuring the strategy is contextually relevant and inclusive. Community representatives highlighted the importance of involving local leaders in promoting immunization, providing insights instrumental in shaping communication strategies to address cultural beliefs and misconceptions about vaccines. The key pillars of the NIS are; Governance and Accountability; Service Delivery; Human Resource Management; Data Quality and Monitoring; Vaccine Management; Community Engagement and Demand Generation; Disease Surveillance; New Vaccine Introduction.

One of the key innovations in the NIS is the adoption of life-course immunization. This approach ensures that individuals receive appropriate vaccines at every stage of life from infancy through old age addressing diseases that affect different age groups. Additionally, mobile outreach services are being expanded to reach underserved and remote populations. By bringing vaccination services directly to communities, the strategy aims to reduce geographical and accessibility barriers. The NIS also proposes exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and leveraging donor funding. Strengthening partner support is crucial to secure the necessary resources. The Ministry of Health through the support of UNICEF costed the NIS to solidify budget requirements and identify funding sources. Advocacy and resource mobilization efforts will engage policymakers, donors, and international partners to garner support and secure funding commitments. Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration involves partnering with other sectors such as education and social services to integrate immunization efforts into broader public health initiatives. Community awareness campaigns will be rolled out to inform communities about the new strategy and promote immunization across all age groups.

The NIS is not just a health initiative but a national movement toward a healthier future. It embodies Botswana's dedication to health equity and disease prevention. As the world continues to face emerging health challenges, Botswana's proactive approach serves as an inspiration, emphasizing that with collective effort and innovative strategies, significant strides can be made in public health.