Upon the request of Botswana's Minister of Health, Rev. Dr. John Seakgosin, the IAEA's Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) conducted a national cancer control assessment mission (imPACT Review) in the country from 26 to 30 August 2013. The imPACT Review mission was comprised of a team of internationally renowned cancer control experts that visited several institutions involved in providing cancer care. The Botswana mission was the 25th imPACT mission conducted in the African region.
The mission commenced with a meeting with Minister Seakgosin, who described the health challenges facing the country's population. Dr. Seakgosin detailed Botswana's rising burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancers, which place greater stress on a health system strained by diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Dr. Seakgosin further remarked that Botswana still has much to do to develop its health care system to face the growing cancer burden among its population.
During the mission week, the imPACT mission team visited several sites in Gaborone, Francistown and Ramotswa, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology; the WHO Country Office; Ministry of Health; the District Bontleng Clinic; the Princess Marina Hospital; the National Health Laboratory; the Medical School Teaching Hospital; the University of Botswana - School of Medicine; the Institute of Health Sciences; the Gaborone Private Hospital; the Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital; the Bamalete Lutheran Hospital; the Holy Cross Hospice and the Cancer Association of Botswana.
Following the mission, a comprehensive report will be delivered to Minister Seakgosin, including the expert team's detailed findings and recommendations. The recommendations contained in the report are designed to assist Botswana in its efforts to improve cancer services and reduce the cancer burden in the long term.
The Botswana mission was implemented through support of the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative.
Background
The IAEA imPACT reviews are carried out by experts from the IAEA, WHO and other international partners in Member States that request assistance and are committed to advancing their nation's fight against cancer. Further information on imPACT Review missions can be found on the PACT website.