WHO Regional Director for Africa visits Botswana to support COVID-19 Response

After leading the WHO COVID-19 surge mission to South Africa, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti visited Botswana to support the WHO country office, meet with government including paying a courtesy call on His Excellency the President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi virtually. During the very brief mission, Dr Moeti met with the Minister of Health and Wellness Honourable Dr Edwin Dikoloti and his Executive team where key and strategic issues on COVID-19 response and continuity of essential health services were discussed.

Dr Moeti also met with The UN Resident Coordinator to discuss coordinated support to the national response including sustaining the economy and post-pandemic recovery. She and the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary and senior management agreed on the critical role of harmonization and coordination of efforts across Member States while commending and encouraging Development Partners for working with government on the response, particularly in enabling availability of essential supplies including Personal Protective Equipment and laboratory supplies as well as supporting other areas such as surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, psycho-social support and other key areas of the response.

In her virtual meeting with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Moeti appreciated the coordination of the national response and discussed how WHO can optimize its support. Dr Moeti congratulated Botswana on an impressive and comprehensive multi-sectoral response and encouraged the country to consolidate on the gains it was making against the pandemic. She assured the country of continued WHO and UN support all through the response.