News

University of Botswana (UB) School of Pharmacy has received a donation of pharmaceutical laboratory stationery and chemical essentials valued at P80,000, courtesy of Acting School Head, Dr Veera R. Bitra. The contribution was made under the Development and Evaluation of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing Protocol for Healthcare Settings in Low- & Middle-Income Countries (CHARM) Project which began in 2023 and was discontinued in April 2025.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Teaching and Learning, Professor Jaloni Pansiri, described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of pharmaceutical education at the University of Botswana.

“This donation is more than just chemicals and stationery. It represents an investment in knowledge, innovation, and the future of pharmaceutical education at the University of Botswana,” he said.

Professor Pansiri noted that the equipment would strengthen laboratory capacity, expand research opportunities and give students the practical exposure required to meet international standards. He expressed profound gratitude to Dr Bitra for his continued commitment to advancing healthcare training and research at UB.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Mabel Magowe, commended the School of Pharmacy for its rapid growth since inception, saying it continued to attract funded projects and partnerships.

“Though the School of Pharmacy is small, it has shown remarkable growth over the years. We are hopeful that it will continue to develop more pharmaceutical courses and programmes, contributing to Botswana’s and Africa’s ambitions to industrialise the pharmaceutical sector rather than depend on foreign markets,” she said.

Professor Magowe added that the donated supplies would help equip pharmacy students with industry-relevant skills and technical expertise, preparing them to become competent pharmaceutical professionals.

Senior Laboratory Technician, Ms Bohutsana Molefi, welcomed the donation, noting that it came at a critical time marked by financial constraints. She emphasised that the supplies would significantly benefit the department, University of Botswana and the country at large by supporting high-quality training, research and day-to-day laboratory work. The donation, she noted, would help maintain quality standards and give students more opportunities for hands-on research and practical learning.