News

The Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Medicine in collaboration with the Council on Educational Exchange (CIEE), held a health fair in Kgope village in the Kweneng District on July 8, 2022 as part of efforts to bring health care to the people. CIEE is a United States based organization with operations in Botswana.

The fair offered residents the opportunity to interact with health professionals from the University of Botswana, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Kweneng District Health Management Team and other entities such as and Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA).

Residents gathered at the Kgotla where they underwent medical checkups for conditions such a blood pressure, Body Mass Index, temperature and other ailments. The residents were also offered health education on substance abuse, sexual health and mental health spearheaded by American students from different universities and colleges in the United States of America who are currently hosted by CIEE and takin courses at UB. Members of a youth led non-governmental organisation (Itekanele Health Institute) who also participated in the health fair, displayed various foods and shared with the community the benefits of eating healthy.

In his keynote address, Head of the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Professor Vincent Setlhare, underscored the need to understand the fundamental meaning of health first. Thus, the state of one’s environment determines one’s health. Professor Setlhare advised the residents ensure healthy space for all as both individuals and collectively.

Officials from BERA sensitized the residents on the dangers of disregarding health and safety precautions especially when using paraffin which is common in rural areas. BERA Commercial Manager Petroleum, Mr Batsumi Rankokwane, cautioned them on the proper use and storage of paraffin in the household to avoid children accidentally consuming it . He further said research had shown that the use of paraffin had been on the decline from 28.2 million litres in 2012 to the 2.9 million litres in 2021.

He therefore appealed to the community to share their usage of paraffin in the community so as to establish if indeed it was still a need. In addition to the fair, the Department of Family Medicine and Public health together with CIEE donated food hampers to 10 less privileged families in Kgope, with the help of the social worker.