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Gov’t embarks on COVISHIELD vaccine rollout

Government through the Ministry of Health and Wellness embarked on the much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine rollout yesterday (Friday 26th March 2020). Earlier this month, Botswana received a batch of 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines from India, acknowledged by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.

In order to hearten the public to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Ministry launched the “Arm Ready for Lemao Campaign”, day before Dr Oratile Mfokeng-Selei announced a Covid-19 vaccination rollout strategy, giving a glimmer of hope weeks after Botswana received a donation of the first 30 000 doses of Covishield from India.
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In the vaccination strategy document, Dr Mfokeng- Selei said persons with confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection may delay vaccination for 6 months when more data on duration of immunity after natural infection gets available.

“Persons with the acute PCR-confirmed COVID-19, including those with onset of PCR-confirmed infection between doses, should not be vaccinated until after they have recovered from acute illness and the criteria for discontinuation of isolation have been met,” said Dr Mfokeng- Selei.

The vaccine campaign activations kick started yesterday in various health facilities across the country, (in Gaborone, Mochudi, Francistown and Maun). COVID-19 Task Force Team Coordinator Dr Kereng Masupu took his jab in Mochudi, while Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Sethomo Lelatisitswe was in Francistown to get vaccinated.

In Gaborone at the Block 8 Clinic, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti joined Former President Festus Mogae, Gaborone Deputy Mayor Lotty Manyapetsa as the first top government officials to receive the COVISHIELD vaccine. Still in the capital city, first female Member of Parliament and former diplomat Dr Gaositwe Chiepe became the first female to be vaccinated for the deadly COVID-19. Former politician Daniel Kwelagobe was also vaccinated in Block 8.

PRESIDENT MASISI ON GETTING A VACCINE

President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently took to social media to he will take the COVID-19 vaccine, when his turn arrives. He says priority is given to elderly persons, those with underlying health conditions as well as essential service providers. Masisi was saying this to the media upon returning from a working visit in South Africa where he met President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He said “We will start the roll out the vaccination program as per the plan announced. When my turn comes, my arm will be readier than ready. Whatever jab they say we get, I will get exactly what everybody get.”

SOUTH AFRICA VARIANT SPIKES COVID-19 NUMBERS

Masisi recently told the nation that the variant first identified in South Africa was behind the spiraling cases of the pandemic in the country. The latest developments take place after health authorities scrambled to put together the regulatory authorizations, training, resources and other consultations required to begin the programme.

ANOTHER VACCINES ON THE WAY

Meanwhile, Botswana is expecting its first major delivery of vaccines from the WHO’s COVAX facility, to which it made a US$10 million down payment last November. Dr Dikoloti yesterday said government will receive a batch of 33 000 COVID-19 vaccines tomorrow. Other vaccines are expected from the African Union’s scheme, to which Botswana also self-financed its participation.

The COVISHIELD vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (known as an adenovirus) from chimpanzees. It has been modified to look more like coronavirus – although it can’t cause illness. International clinical trials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine showed that when people were given a half dose and then a full dose, effectiveness hit 90%.

Unpublished data suggests that leaving a longer gap between the first and second doses increases the overall effectiveness of the jab – in a sub-group given the vaccine this way it was found to be 70% effective after the first dose.

WHO RECOMMENDS COVISHIELD VACCINE

World Health Organization earlier this year authorized emergency use listing of COVISHIELD, paving the way for a global rollout of vaccine supplies through Covax. Covax is an initiative led by WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for equitable access to covid-19 vaccines.

WHO has also approved the emergency use listing of South Korea-based SK Bioscience’s version of the vaccine; the original was co-developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca plc.
“Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facility’s goal of equitable vaccine distribution,” said Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant-director general for access to medicines and health products, in a statement.[/ihc-hide-content]

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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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