• The World Bank approved a $43 million Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) project for Botswana.
• The project targets drug shortages, epidemic preparedness, and real-time health data through digital systems.
• Botswana declared a public health emergency in August 2025 amid severe shortages of essential medicines.

The World Bank’s Board of Directors approved a $43 million project for Botswana titled Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR).

The project aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to future epidemics, climate-related diseases, and routine health challenges. It will help secure supplies of essential medicines, accelerate outbreak detection, and provide real-time access to critical health data.

In addition, the HEPRR project will support investments centered on efficiency, equity, and system resilience. It will also promote Botswana’s digital transformation through the deployment of an electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS), which will track medical supplies in real time from central warehouses to remote health facilities. This system will help prevent shortages and ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines.

“This project responds directly to our urgent national priorities […] It is not just a financial investment, but a strategic commitment to our shared vision of a resilient, data-driven health system that leaves no Motswana behind,” said Stephen Modise, Botswana’s Minister of Health.

The southern African country continues to face significant health challenges, particularly acute shortages of essential medicines affecting treatments for hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and tuberculosis. These shortages led President Duma Boko to declare a public health emergency in August 2025. At the same time, severe droughts and floods have disrupted the delivery of essential health services.

To address the needs of its health system, Botswana works with international partners to ensure that the population gains access to quality medicines at affordable prices.

The HEPRR project will run for five years and the Ministry of Health will implement it in collaboration with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM