22/10/2026
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Earlier today, President Duma Gideon Boko launched the Botswana End Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Council and the Malaria Youth Corps, calling for a united national effort to eliminate malaria and NTDs and secure a healthier future for all Batswana.
Describing the launch as a defining moment in Botswana's public health journey, President Boko said the establishment of the Council marks a shift from commitment to action, bringing together Government, the private sector, development partners, communities and young people to accelerate the country's malaria elimination agenda.
He said while Botswana has made significant progress in reducing malaria through dedicated health workers, resilient health systems and vigilant communities, climate change, resistance to insecticides and antimalarial medicines, and the emergence of invasive mosquito species continue to threaten the gains achieved. He further noted that declining international donor support means Botswana must increasingly mobilise domestic resources to sustain its malaria elimination programme.
President Boko expressed concern over challenges in accessing some households for indoor residual spraying in the North-West District, emphasising that community cooperation is essential in strengthening the country's collective defence against malaria and accelerating elimination efforts.
He emphasised that defeating malaria is not the responsibility of the health sector alone, but requires active participation from every Motswana. The President said the newly established Council will strengthen coordination, mobilise resources, promote accountability and ensure that every sector contributes towards measurable results.
President Boko noted that Botswana joins other African countries, including Zambia, Eswatini and Senegal, that have established End Malaria Councils to accelerate elimination efforts through domestic leadership and partnerships. He urged citizens to embrace the campaign message, โZero Malaria and NTDs Starts with Me!โ, saying lasting success will only be achieved through community ownership and shared responsibility.
Expressing confidence in Botswana's ability to reach its goal, President Boko said he looks forward to standing alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) to announce Botswana's certification as a malaria-free country, following the example of Mauritius, Algeria and Cabo Verde.
Giving global context for Malaria and NTDs at the launch, WHO Representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Fabian Ndenzako, commended Botswana for demonstrating strong political leadership in the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases.
He described the launch of the Council and the Malaria Youth Corps as an important milestone that unites political leaders, Government institutions, communities, partners and young people behind a common vision of eliminating malaria and NTDs.
Dr Ndenzako said global evidence shows that malaria elimination is achievable with sustained political commitment, adequate investment and collective accountability. On neglected tropical diseases, Dr Ndenzako said 58 countries had eliminated at least one NTD by the end of 2025, demonstrating that strong national leadership, community participation and sustained investment can successfully eliminate diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Congratulating the Government and people of Botswana, Dr Ndenzako expressed confidence that the newly launched Council would strengthen coordination, mobilise resources and accelerate Botswana's journey towards eliminating malaria and neglected tropical diseases, leaving no one behind
