Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA and Botswana have agreed to a pooled procurement arrangement in the health sector, allowing the two countries to jointly negotiate more favourable medicine prices, reduce lead times, and improve supply chain efficiency.
This initiative forms part of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, aimed at strengthening regional health systems. The Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed that the MoU is the result of months of discussions between the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, and Botswana’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Stephen Modise.
PARTNERS IN HEALTH: Scenes from the signing of the MoU. Photos: Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“A key outcome of these discussions is the commitment to pooled procurement, enabling Namibia and Botswana to jointly negotiate better prices for medicines, reduce lead times, and enhance supply chain efficiency,” the Ministry of Health explained.
In addition to collaboration on medicine procurement, the Ministry noted that the agreement also includes joint efforts in vaccination programmes, the HIV and AIDS response, and broader health system strengthening initiatives.
“It marks a renewed commitment to cross-border health collaboration, shared expertise, and joint efforts that will advance the well-being of the peoples of both nations. Together, Namibia and Botswana are stronger,” the Ministry added.
