The Desert Doctor
Monday, December 18, 2017
There are, nonetheless, at least a few among us who do stand out for their humility, service and seeming ability to perform miracles. One such figure that comes to mind in this season of giving is the late Rev. Dr. Alfred Musgrave Merriweather (1918-99). For five and a half decades the “Desert Doctor” devoted himself tirelessly to the collective body and soul of Batswana.
Also known “Rramosesesane” (“the thin one”) and “RaBoitumelo” (“father of Joy”: his daughter), Merriweather among other things served as a member of the Legislative Council before becoming the first Speaker of Parliament, was the founding President of the Botswana Medical Association and in 1979-80 held the position of Moderator (Worldwide Leader) of the United Free Church of Scotland.
The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...