- – Donates over 300 doses of anti-rabies vaccines worth P50,000
Chobe Holdings Limited, through its social investment arm Chobe Impact, this week handed over 300 doses of anti-rabies vaccines worth P50,000 to the North West District Council to support the response to the ongoing rabies outbreak.
The contribution comes at a critical time, as the North West District has recorded 136 dog bite cases and four fatalities involving children under the age of 10—all in Maun village—due to confirmed rabies since January 2026.
Delivering the keynote address during the handover ceremony, Chobe Holdings Managing Director Lempheditse Odumetse said the rabies outbreak in the North West District underscores the urgent need for strengthened prevention and response measures.
Odumetse noted that the donation reflects their commitment to supporting public health and community wellbeing. He added that the contribution will make a meaningful difference in protecting lives and preventing rabies-related deaths. Odumetse stated that the donation came at a time when Botswana is grappling with a severe crisis regarding the shortage of essential medicines.
He stated that rabies remains one of the deadliest yet most preventable diseases. Odumetse added that while district health teams have implemented awareness campaigns, case management, and other interventions, the scale of the outbreak has placed significant pressure on available resources.
Odumetse said Chobe Holdings’ contribution will directly support vaccine procurement, reinforcing ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the disease and protect at-risk communities.
“This contribution reflects our commitment to supporting community health initiatives during a time of urgent need. We are encouraged that this support will assist in expanding vaccination efforts and strengthening the district’s response,” he said.
Odumetse explained that the contribution highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and public health authorities in addressing emerging health challenges, noting that continued partnership will be essential to sustaining response efforts and reducing transmission risks.
Odumetse pleaded with the business community, development partners, community leaders, and members of the public to step up efforts to protect lives through the increased provision of vaccines and immunoglobulins, expanded community education, and strengthened mobilisation in high-risk areas.
He said the North West District faces a significant public health challenge, but coordinated and sustained action offers a clear pathway to containment and prevention.
“In our business, we have three pillars: investing in wildlife, investing in people, and investing in Botswana. This is highly significant to us, and what we are demonstrating today aligns perfectly with our mandate,” he said.
In his remarks, North West District Council Health Committee Chairperson Phenyo Moshongo thanked Chobe Holdings for the generous donation, noting that it came at the right time as rabies remains a serious threat to both humans and animals. He noted that the donation will strengthen their ability to prevent the spread of rabies, protect lives, and keep communities safer and healthier.
