Source: Government of Botswana - Botswana has requested Cuba to provide it with drugs that can help treat ailments associated with diabetes.Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing, made the plea during President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama's three-day state visit to Cuba this week.
Dr Seakgosing said Botswana was struggling to provide diabetic patients with appropriate medication especially those who develop sores hence Cuba was their hope since it had developed a drug to treat them.
"Cuba has been able to develop medication, which can assist our diabetic patients and we only need them to register the medication in our country so that we can be able to take advantage of the drug," pleaded Dr Seakgosing.
He stated that they were also courting Cuba to help in the control of vector that transmits diseases such as malaria, filarias and onchocercosis through the use of biolarvicides but with more focus on malaria control.
Dr Seakgosing indicated that through the exercise, Botswana would be able to eradicate vectors that transmit malaria and the challenge was to make the country malaria free by 2015.
"We have been able to meet the targeted number of medical brigades which is the 65 Cuban government personnel deployed in various parts of the country offering the much needed services in clinics and hospitals," he said.
He also stated that Botswana has accepted Cuba's offer to establish an eye clinic at Letsholathebe hospital in Maun.
Botswana also signed a memorandum of understanding to engage Cuban medical personnel every two years and promised not to employ them after completion of their service.
After arriving in Cuba, President Khama laid a wreath at a monument of one Cuban revolutionary leader, Jose Marti, who is regarded as national hero.
He also held private talks with Cuban president, Mr Raul Castro. BOPA
