News in a minute | Medicine shortage triggers health emergency [video]

Botswana declared a public health emergency on Monday after hospitals ran out of essential medicines due to depleted government coffers and steep cuts in US aid.

The diamond-rich southern African country has relied heavily on mining to fuel its economy but faces persistent challenges that have eaten into its gem revenue, leaving most of its 2.5 million people grappling with unemployment and high poverty rates.

President Duma Boko said in a televised address on Monday that the country’s medical supply chain had failed and announced over $18 million (R317 million) in emergency funding to restock clinics and hospitals.

Read the full version of the “SA’s neighbour declares public health emergency as medicines run out“ article.

SA’S NEIGHBOUR DECLARES PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

“This scenario is not sustainable. We are taking bold steps to ensure that never again will Botswana suffer due to broken systems,” he said, adding that the military would oversee drug distribution.

Earlier this month, Botswana’s health ministry warned that the system was “severely strained” with $75 million owed to private health facilities and suppliers.

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