Main health risks for Botswana

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is endemic in the north of the country (Ngamiland, Okavango, Chobe, Boteti, Tutume). Risks are lower in the center (Serowe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Bobirwa), the west (Gantsi), and the east (Francistown, Selebi-Phikwe), and almost nonexistent in the south. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

Cases of trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) have been detected, mainly in the Okavango district. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Symptoms begin with fever and headache continues with mental confusions, insomnia at night and daytime slumber. If not treated, the disease can be fatal.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are common. An epidemic of diarrhea, which hit mainly children, led to exceptional prevention measures in 2007. This outbreak was however not attributed to cholera, though cholera cases have been identified in neighbouring Zimbabwe. During the period of November 2008 up to mid-January 2009, six imported cases of cholera (no death) coming from Zimbabwe have been reported in Botswana.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

The HIV prevalence is preoccupying. In case of exposure, numerous structures allow you to receive medical care and have a detection test. 37% of the population is HIV-positive (2nd highest proportion in the world). Cases of tuberculosis are frequent and on the rise, parallely to the increase of AIDS cases. A new XDR strain has been identified in 2008.