Health and Wellness

Health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity but it is also about achieving the best physical, mental, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual levels of functioning at a given time. Wellness on the other hand is the optimal state of health of individuals and groups. It is a lifestyle concept about the realization of the fullest potential of an individual physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually and economically. It encompasses a set of principles, such as the belief in the values of making thoughtful, disciplined choices with respect to such issues as exercise, regular check ups and nutrition. It entails skills, such as a capacity for managing stress, living with others and functioning with a commitment to embracing personal as well as social responsibility.

The University of Botswana recognizes the importance of promoting health and wellness among the student community. In addition to providing quality academic life to students, the University also offers various health and wellness programmes for the benefit of students. Some of these programmes include:

Medical Care: Provided by the department of Health Services located at Block 120. The Department provides free professional service to customers. The core functions of the health services include provision of general health including reproductive health, counseling, health education including prevention, and consultation services. The consultation service includes assessment of illnesses, diagnosis, treatment and initiating referrals as appropriate. For example referrals are made where a customer need services provided by laboratories, x-rays and psychiatrists. The Department works closely with a student group called Health Outreach Program. The students in the program visit residential areas to make assessments and identify health problems as well as mobilize students to identify and solve health problems that face them. A nurse is always on duty after working hours, during weekends and holidays to take care of any emergencies that may arise.
Counseling Services: Provided by the department of Careers and Counseling Services located at Block 244H. Professional counselors provide counseling to help take care of the student's emotional, psychological and mental health issues. To ensure that students feel free to visit and utilize the services of the Centre, all conversations are kept confidential. The Centre also trains students as peer counselors to provide peer counseling to other students. The Centre also offers on-line psychological counseling and education on various issues of concern through seminars and brochures. The service is provided for free.
Health Education: Provided mainly by the Health and Wellness Centre through seminars, workshops, discussions, print material, peer education and other awareness activities throughout the academic year. Some of the topics covered through the available programmes include healthy eating, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, personal hygiene, safer sex, cancer and many others. All the programmes are meant to promote behaviour change among its customers. The Centre works closely with existing Departments under the Division of Student Affairs in conducting various information, education and communication programmes. The Health and Wellness Centre is located at Block 244L and the services are provided free of charge.
Exercise: Provided mainly through the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation located at Block 132. The Department houses facilities such as the swimming pool, outdoor courts and a stadium that is complete with a soccer pitch and running track. The Department coordinates student's sports and recreational clubs including those dealing with aerobic training and exercise prescription such as aerobics, weight training, swimming and others. Greater health benefits can be achieved through regular participation in physical activity and exercise.
Accommodation and Catering Facilities: Provided by the department of Student Welfare located at Block 115. The department houses among other things, the offices of student accommodation. The department ensures that students live in clean hostels (rooms) and are provided with nutritious meals in the student cafeteria.