Gantsi diarrhoea cases surge
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 21, 2026 06:00
The situation was dire that 124 diarrhoea cases were registered in a single week, although the situation has improved with latest figures sitting at 57. Addressing councillors this week, GDC chairperson, Thabiso Kebadirile said while there was a decline, with 57 cases last week, this figure remains more than double what was recorded during the same period last year. He said the district reported a mortality during the outbreak with the loss of one child under the age of five. “Tragically, we lost one child under five to diarrhoea,” Kebadirile informed the meeting. According to the chairperson, the World Breastfeeding Week was commemorated during the first week of August. The event was held in partnership with Botswana Red Cross and UNICEF Botswana, while community activities were conducted at SHHA Health Post on August 28, 2026. Kebadirile added that the District Health Management Team has intensified community health education through kgotla meetings, schools and other platforms.
“Health care workers have undergone refresher training and an emergency order for rotavirus vaccines has been placed. “Medicines and commodities are available, while environmental health officers have conducted water sampling,” he told the GDC sitting. The Council Chairperson stated that Water Utilities Corporation continues to support communities with education on safe handling and storage of drinking water. Additionally, he advised councillors to seek medical care early when children develop diarrhoea or other signs of illness. Kebadirile noted that caregivers should also use ORS and Zinc as advised by health care workers. On malaria cases, he said the rainy season also increases the risk of the spread of the infectious disease.
Although Gantsi is not malaria endemic, Kebadirile explained that its proximity to Ngami and other high risk areas, combined with population movement for education, business, and mining purposes, require vigilance. He revealed that during the 2024-25 malaria season, Gantsi recorded 72 cases and four deaths. “In 2025-26, cases dropped to 25, with no deaths. We also achieved 90% indoor residual spraying coverage, surpassing the national target of 85%,” the Chairperson said, adding that by April 2026, the area had not recorded any malaria case. On drug availability, he said current levels stand at, vital 52.9%, essential 45.8%, necessary 34.2%, non drugs 83%, antihypertensive 60%, antidiabetic 33% while average drug availability sits at 44.3%.
“This remains a challenge for our district, as it is across the country,” Kebadirile said. He added that with vigilance, education, and strong community participation, “we can protect our people, strengthen our health care”. According to the chairperson, the health department’s mobile clinic services to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) are still ongoing. He also revealed that there is an outbreak of diarrhea at Metsiamanong, Molapo and Gope. “The mobile health team currently in the CKGR is attending to the situation and is implementing the necessary public health measures to bring the outbreak under control. “As a council, there is therefore, a need to strengthen and adequately equip our CKGR mobile clinic,” he revealed. Kebadirile also asked them to strengthen their capacity to respond promptly to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies within the CKGR. He said the next scheduled mobile clinic visit to the CKGR is planned for November 2026. He also stated that any health emergencies arising before the scheduled mobile clinic dates will be attended to promptly, as the health and safety of communities in the CKGR remains a priority for the council.