Maputo Plan of Action: Botswana gets the thumbs up

Among others, Botswana has achieved 92 percent completion rate of the first element on integration of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, malaria and sexual reproductive health services into primary health care. The September 2012 MPOA scorecard also indicates that the country, together with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania are leaders in youth-friendly SRHR services positioned as key strategy for youth empowerment and well-being.

However, an officer in the Ministry of Health (MoH) Lesego Makganya told the participants ranging from government, civil society and the media that there were disparities between policy and implementation. Makganya attributed these to cultural beliefs and lack of resources. Despite the shortfalls, she said much has been done to implement the plan of action as evidenced by the launch of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality.