For nearly three weeks, over 500 tuberculosis patients in Botswana have gone without treatment, after stocks ran dry at Central Medical Stores.
Consequently, panic and anxiety gripped the country, following the shortages that were experience in the past few weeks. Reports from Jubilee Hospital in Francistown even indicate that last week five patients from Monarch clinic were discharged because there was even nothing for multi drug resistant tuberculosis in stock.
Acknowledging that there have been shortages of first line TB medicines in the country for the past weeks, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has since moved swiftly to address the problem. In a press statement released on Wednesday, the ministry informed the public that such medicines are now available and have been dispatched to facilities across the country.
“There have been shortages of such medicines in the country in recent weeks. Through its engagements with development partners and some neighbouring countries, the Ministry of Health has been able to secure some medicines to fill the gap. Another consignment which will stabilize the TB medicines availability, is expected in mid-May 2025,” read the statement.
The ministry advised all those who missed their TB treatment due to these shortages to visit their regular health facilities for refills, re initiation. It has since assured that it is working tirelessly to ensure there is continuous and consistent supply of all critical medicines in the country.
In an interview, MoH Chief Public Relations Officer, Dr Christopher Nyanga has however, dismissed allegations that treatment for multi drug resistant tuberculosis were not in stock. “The only treatment which was not available was for first time treatment. For multidrug resistant TB, treatment has been available and is available at the moment,” said the spokesperson.
The Ministry of Health has however acknowledged being aware of shortages of other medicines. “Fortunately, for most of these, like those of asthma, there are alternatives available,” it said.
On the availability of Anti Retro Viral tablets, Dr Nyanga said the country has adequate supplies for the next six months.
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has this week issued a statement, sounding alarm at the widespread shortage of TB drugs in the country. “The full extent of the shortage remains unclear, but implications are grave. TB is not just a disease; it is a highly infectious and potentially deadly illness that requires uninterrupted treatment. Any break in the treatment regime risks the development of multi drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and more dangerous”, stated BCP Publicity and Information Secretary, Mpho Pheko.
The BCP then called on the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led government to treat the situation as a public health emergency it clearly it is, and respond swiftly, transparently and effectively.
