World Bank Launches $43 Million Health Emergency Project For Botswana

The World Bank has launched a $43 million health emergency project for Botswana, reported some media on January 28, 2026.

Reportedly, the project called Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience (HEPRR), concerns, among others, the following.

1. Containing drug shortages in Botswana through supply of affordable essential medicines

2. Enhancing epidemic preparedness in the country

3. Enhancing real-time health data in the country through digital systems

The World Bank project follows the Government of Botswana's declaration of a public health emergency on August 25, 2025, due to severe shortages of vital medicines, and medical materials, e.g., medical supplies, medical equipment, etc. Vital medicines and medical materials in short supply are said to include those for diabetes, tuberculosis, hypertension, cancer, asthma, and mental health, among others.

New Sidilega Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana

The shortages of vital medicines and medical materials in the SADC nation, are said to have been caused by economic difficulties the country has been facing in recent years, due to falling diamond prices at the global diamond market, as well as USA's massive cuts in international aid, and particularly support of international health programs.

Diamonds are Botswana's main export commodity, accounting for 30% of its GDP and 80% of its export earnings, as of 2025 by various sources.

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