P1 billion cancer project to halt patients’ referrals to SA
Botswana could soon be manufacturing isotopes which would pave the way for cancer treatment in hospitals in Botswana and internationally. The project is the brain child of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in conjunction with MAGO Enterprise of South Africa.
An isotope is a form of a chemical element whose atomic nucleus contains a specific number of neutrons, in addition to the number of protons that uniquely defines the element. Basically they are atoms of the same element which have different relative masses.
Confirming the development, BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said “It will be a good example of University-Industry partnership to produce solutions for societies we live in.” The project will be capital intensive because it will need an injection of close to P1 billion which shall be a cost shared by BIUST and MAGO Enterprise.
But Professor Totolo cautioned that the project is still at its initial stages. He said before the project takes off, they need to have an agreement with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology (MOTE) because the isotopes will be used in hospitals. Professor Totolo also indicated that the Radiation Protection Agency will also have to regulate the isotopes production facility.
Botswana’s public health facilities predominantly refer cancer patients for treatment and in some cases diagnosis to private facilities. South African hospitals receive a lot of cancer patients from Botswana because of lack of appropriate equipment in Government hospitals. Professor Totolo is confident that having an isotopes production facility will help reduce the number of patients referred to private hospitals especially South Africa for medical attention.
Government currently pays in the region of P92 000 and P200 000 for a single cancer patient referred to a private hospital locally and to South Africa respectively. The main problem at public hospitals is the lack or shortage of equipment used for radiotherapy. The Vice Chancellor said as an institution that is aggressive in research and innovation, their programmes are accredited by Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and various other bodies such as the Engineering Council of South Africa, the Engineers Board and automatically BIUST students are recognized by the Washington Accord because of their affiliation to these bodies. He said technologically advanced projects such as the production of isotopes will position BIUST as an academic centre of excellence while also helping the country to diversify its economy.
Professor Totolo encouraged students to take up sciences and mathematics and enroll in similar subjects with BIUST because they will have the opportunity to provide solutions to the country’s economy by partaking in the in these kinds of projects as they continue to take shape.“I would envisage a BIUST that has more products and services responding to the challenges of Batswana. Botswana is experiencing an increase in the number of cancer cases and a project of this nature will be most welcome in the health sector. A BIUST that has a closer cooperation with other parastatals that have a similar mandate such as BITRI and Botswana Innovation Hub.” He said the two parastatals could tap into the resources at BIUST to streamline costs and to share knowledge.
Research conducted elsewhere indicates that the rest of the radioisotopes encountered in the world are man-made. When a combination of neutrons and protons, is produced artificially, the atom will usually be unstable and is called a manmade radioactive isotope or radioisotope. Meanwhile studies in developed countries in which surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, radiologists, social workers or psychologists, and nurses are involved in discussing each case suggest that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) can decrease time to diagnosis, time to treatment, and duplication of investigations, as well as improve accuracy of diagnosis. Thus, the establishment of an MDT is warranted.
According to a journal article that appeared on the Journal of Global Oncology authored by Surbhi Grover, Sebathu Philip Chiyapo, Priya Puri, Mohan Narasimhamurthy, Babe Eunice Gaolebale, and Neo Tapela: “More than 75% of patients with cervical cancer in Botswana have locally advanced disease. In Botswana, current treatment includes radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Radiotherapy, however, is not available in the public sector; hence, patients are referred to the private sector for radiation. On the basis of our pilot data, the median time from diagnosis to treatment is 108 days. To decrease cervical cancer morbidity and mortality, it is imperative to identify and address factors contributing to delays,” they wrote.
It is evident from their paper that delays are caused by lack of appropriate equipment and the long waiting list that has to be referred to private hospitals for medical attention. The six health professionals, whose journal is titled Multidisciplinary Gynecologic Oncology Clinic in Botswana: A Model for Multidisciplinary Oncology Care in Low- and Middle-Income Settings indicate that cervical cancer is a major cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Botswana. “Most women present with locally advanced disease, requiring chemotherapy and radiation. Care co-ordination requires input from a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to deliver appropriate, timely treatment. However, there are limited published examples of MDT implementation in LMICs.”
News
Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
News
Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
News
Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.