**7. Maternal and child illnesses**

Most women (97.2%) attend Antenatal Care (ANC) and deliver in hospitals under the care of midwives and doctors. However, maternal mortality continues to be a concern, with an increase in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 166.7/100000 live births in 2019 [32]. The deaths of women are attributable to haemorrhage (28%), puerperal sepsis (24.7%) and hypertension (17%). Nonetheless, the infant mortality rate is declining. Botswana's infant mortality rate in 2023 is 26.744 deaths per 1000 live births.

#### **7.1 National campaigns**

The MOHW conducts health campaigns annually to respond to the country's health needs. They mainly include under-five polio and measles campaigns, where children are given vaccines depending on their needs. There are also malaria campaigns in wet areas of the country. The Public Health and Environmental Health Department, under the Ministry of Health's leadership, plays a significant role in preventing and controlling malaria throughout the country [33].

#### **7.2 Health education strategies**

The Health Education Unit is critical in facilitating the country's health information, education and communication campaigns. Health educators and nurses lead in educating the communities on public health issues. In addition, different media platforms, such as the National Television and Radio, and social media are used [34].

#### **7.3 Challenges**

Botswana is trying to meet the SDGs and Ottawa Chatter agreements, but some things must be fixed [25]. For example, the country needs more healthcare personnel to implement health promotion initiatives. There is also a need for more resources such as funds, human capital, infrastructural development and transport to render other areas of the country accessible to basic amnesties.
