TB REMAINS OVERLOOKED DESPITE BOTSWANA’S HEALTHCARE GAINS.

Article By: Tebogo Mokoto

Despite progress in Botswana’s healthcare system, Tuberculosis (TB) remains underfunded and neglected, according to BONELA Director, Cindy Kelemi-Baeletsi.

Speaking at the launch of the Botswana Parliament TB Caucus, Kelemi-Baeletsi told Members of Parliament and health stakeholders that TB continues to be overshadowed by other health priorities.

She said despite vast investments in health, TB often gets overlooked urging the TB Caucus to push for better funding and prioritization.

Kelemi further noted that TB funding has declined, particularly during global health crises like COVID-19, which diverted key diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert machines, urging the Ministries of Finance and Health to allocate dedicated funding for TB services.