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Botswana blood bank running dry

Botswana Blood National Transfusion Services (BBNTS) blood bank is currently running dry and unable to meet the blood shortage demand in the country. Currently, there are less people coming through to donate blood so that millions of lives can be saved.

A sufficient, regular supply of safe blood is needed in all health care facilities to meet the urgent need for patients facing trauma and other lifesaving procedures, such as blood transfusions which saves millions of lives each year worldwide, Botswana included, said Anna Mothuti, Head of National Health Laboratory confirming to this publication.

Even though they have not yet received any formal reports from hospitals about lives lost due to blood shortage, Mothuti highlighted that one pint of blood saves up to 3 lives, so with the 23000 units of blood collected in 2020 it has saved an estimated 69 000 lives. The blood bank requires 45,000 units of blood each year, however, they only managed to achieve 23,400 units in the previous year, way less than their target.

Although both men and women donate blood, men donate more than women. This is because women get pregnant for 9 months, it does not encourage them to donate, and they go on confinement and have to stay for a year before donating blood to allow their bodies to recover from loss of blood. And because of the monthly menstruation, they need time to build iron levels before they can start donating, Mothuti hinted.

We donate more blood in urban areas because they have a higher population because of rural-urban migration, especially the youth in search of greener pastures. To donate blood, one should be healthy, 16-65 years of age, 50kg weight, should have taken a meal before donating blood and also take plenty of fluids. There is a deferral guidelines and criteria in place used to determine blood donor eligibility.

Those with tattoos can donate if the tattoo was done 6 months before, and it defers donors for 6 months for new tattoos. When quizzed on their measures for outreach, so that people can be encouraged to donate, Mothuti said: The NBTS uses different platforms to reach out to the public to inform them about blood donation these are media platforms e.g. radio, television, Facebook, pamphlets, leaflets, print media (different newspapers), workshops, and community blood drives. NBTS visit different organizations such as churches, companies, ministries, social clubs, and shopping malls advocate for blood donation and possible blood collection.

NBTS also works closely with the Pledge 25 club who are young donors who donate blood regularly. They engage in activities such as Youth Donor Days, soccer tournaments, and recruit more donors through their social media pages. Donating blood is a voluntary and non-remunerated activity, even though the MOHW can do all interventions to inform the public on the importance of blood donation, if the public is not willing the situation of blood shortages will continue. Remember, donate blood and make the world a healthier place.

Mothuti has further advised that people need to engage in healthy lifestyles to donate blood. The NBTS would like to encourage the public to donate blood at its different centres, Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Mahalapye, Serowe and Maun. Donating blood is a very safe procedure when one meets the blood donation requirements, which include taking a meal at least 4 hours before donating blood. The Ministry encourages the public to make blood donation a lifestyle. This will assist to maintain a healthy blood bank from which individuals needing blood can benefit.

The Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2020 Botswana Finalists were moved by the nationwide cry of low blood reservoirs in Botswana and at the Blood Transfusion Services. These Forbes finalists are Nijel Amos, Newman Ramatokwane, Tony Mautsu and Thobo Khathola. They came up with an initiative called Forbes Blood Drive to encourage the entire nation to donate blood to save lives.

Personally, I have lost very close family members to road accidents where the availability of blood could have saved their lives. We hear of deaths on operation beds where patients die due to the unavailability of blood across our country Botswana. This continues to worry me and my Forbes brothers, because these death could easily be prevented. We are hoping to inspire other people in our country to donate blood or support the course, Khathola said.

Our blood backs are close to empty, and just last week a young girl in Jwaneng posted that she was in a dire need of blood type O. She has been hospitalized in the hospital for more than 14 days because of this need. Our hope is through our blood drive, we will raise enough blood and be able to help more people like her, Mautsu hopeful.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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