GABORONE, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Botswana launched a national council on malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) elimination Thursday, as Botswanan President Duma Boko pledged to see the country certified malaria-free by 2029.
Boko made the remarks at the launch of the inaugural meeting of the 28-member Botswana End Malaria and NTDs Council in Tlokweng, near Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, under the theme Accelerating Botswana's journey towards Malaria and NTDs elimination by 2029.
The goal is to "stand before you before my term ends" to announce, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), that Botswana is officially certified Malaria-Free, said Boko, who also chairs the African Leaders Malaria Alliance. He cited Cabo Verde, certified by WHO in 2024, as proof it can be done.
The council, chaired by Botswana's Health Minister Stephen Modise, brings together government, business, civil society, traditional leaders and partners including WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund to track commitments quarterly. It aims to mobilize domestic resources, coordinate efforts, and build multi-sectoral partnerships to accelerate the malaria and NTDs elimination programs. ■
