Reported by: The Agency
Date: December 28, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Zambian Ministry of Health has announced that the Government of Zambia has facilitated the delivery of a consignment of essential medicines to the Republic of Botswana, which is currently facing a public health emergency due to critical medicine shortages.
The shortages in Botswana have resulted from a combination of economic and systemic factors, leading to stock-outs of medicines for conditions including HIV, cancer and diabetes.
In response and in the spirit of regional cooperation and public health solidarity, Zambia dispatched a 20-tonne consignment of essential medicines to address Botswana’s urgent needs.
The shipment, transported via a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) C130 aircraft, was received at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport by BDF personnel and officials from Botswana’s Ministry of Health. Of the total consignment, 12 tonnes were contributed by the Zambian Government, while 8 tonnes were supplied by local private sector companies with available stock.
The medicines have since been handed over to Botswana’s Central Medical Stores for distribution to health facilities.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that this assistance did not compromise Zambia’s national medicine supply, as a careful review of stock levels ensured that local health needs remain fully met.
The intervention also helps mitigate potential medicine expiries in Zambia.
Zambia’s support demonstrates the country’s strengthened procurement systems, supply chain management and overall health system resilience, which enable timely responses to regional public health challenges.
Additionally, over 80 tonnes of medicines mobilized from the Zambian private sector under contracts facilitated by the government will be paid for by Botswana, offering opportunities for local manufacturers to expand into the Botswana pharmaceutical market.
Public health emergencies often transcend national borders. Zambia’s timely assistance to Botswana underscores the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding the well-being of populations across Southern Africa.
The Ministry commends the efficient coordination between Zambian and Botswana health authorities and the BDF, which ensured the secure and prompt delivery of the medicines.
The Ministry of Health under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the health of Zambians while actively contributing to regional health security, solidarity and resilience.
