Botswana urged to strengthen drug treatment systems
Pini Bothoko | Monday July 6, 2026 06:00
This call was made during the opening of a three-day capacity building workshop focused on supporting the implementation of the international standards for treatment of drug use disorders in Botswana this week . The workshop was facilitated by the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which has long been at the forefront of addressing global drug-related challenges.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa, UNODC National Consultant for Drug Use and HIV Prevention and Care, Devon de Koker, commended the government of Botswana and its stakeholders for their continued commitment to tackling drug abuse and promoting the health and wellbeing of people living with drug use disorders.
He also applauded the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for organising the workshop, describing it as an important platform to strengthen Botswana's national treatment system.
De Koker said the recently launched 2026 World Drug Report highlighted the urgent need for innovative responses to emerging drug challenges, particularly in Southern Africa, where synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances and stimulant drug use are becoming increasingly prevalent.
He warned that the Southern drug trafficking route continues to fuel the movement of methamphetamine and heroin into the region, presenting new challenges for member states.
'The region is facing rapidly changing drug trends that require stronger collaboration between public health institutions and law enforcement agencies. We must urgently strengthen national drug treatment systems while addressing transnational organised crime linked to illicit drug trafficking,' he said.
He noted that Botswana has made encouraging progress in strengthening its response to substance use disorders, including developing the National Drug Control Master Strategy and its Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, hosting the African Union Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Gaborone and investing in the professionalisation of addiction treatment through internationally recognised training programmes.
De Koker further welcomed the establishment of two rehabilitation centres, describing the development as a significant milestone in expanding treatment services for people struggling with substance dependence.
However, he stressed that more work remains to be done to ensure treatment services are comprehensive, community-based and accessible to vulnerable populations.
According to De Koker, people who use drugs often experience stigma, discrimination, trauma and social exclusion, while many families lack the knowledge and support needed to respond effectively to addiction.
He said future interventions should prioritise community-based treatment programmes alongside specialised care for individuals with complex clinical needs.
UNODC, he added, remains committed to supporting Botswana through technical assistance, including expanding public health interventions such as Opioid Agonist Maintenance Therapy, Needle and Syringe Programmes and overdose prevention initiatives aimed at reducing the harmful consequences of drug use.
He also reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to working with the DEA and other government institutions to develop a fully funded national treatment system capable of responding to the country's growing needs.
Meanwhile, DEA Deputy Director General, Colonel Montshwari Motlogelwa emphasised that addressing substance use disorders requires more than law enforcement interventions.
While reaffirming the DEA's commitment to disrupting drug trafficking and reducing the supply of illicit drugs, Motlogelwa said enforcement alone cannot solve the country's drug problem. 'Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration are equally important pillars of a comprehensive national drug control strategy,' he said.
Motlogelwa expressed appreciation to UNODC, the Ministry of Health and other development partners for their continued technical and financial support in strengthening Botswana's response to substance use disorders.
He said the international standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders provide a scientifically proven framework for delivering quality, evidence-based treatment that respects the dignity, rights and wellbeing of affected individuals.
According to Motlogelwa, implementing these standards will improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, strengthen recovery support services and facilitate the successful reintegration of recovering drug users into their families and communities.
He noted that the capacity-building programme comes at a crucial time as Botswana continues implementing the National Drug Control Master Strategy while expanding specialised treatment and rehabilitation services.
Motlogelwa said the training will equip health professionals, law enforcement officers and other stakeholders with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver integrated and coordinated services.
He encouraged participants to actively engage during the workshop by sharing experiences and adopting international best practices that can strengthen Botswana's national response.
'The success of our response depends on collaboration, continuous learning and our collective commitment to evidence-based interventions,' he said.
He reaffirmed the DEA's commitment to working closely with UNODC, the Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable, accessible and high-quality treatment and rehabilitation system that meets international standards.
Motlohelwa expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the three-day workshop would translate into stronger institutions, improved services and better outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use disorders. He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to continue working together towards building a healthier, safer Botswana free from the devastating effects of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.