Botswana launches pathogen surveillance program with Ginkgo Bioworks

BOTSWANA—The Ministry of Health of Botswana, in collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks LLC, has announced the launch of a pathogen-monitoring program at specific entry points across the country, set to commence on September 16, 2024.

Ginkgo Bioworks, a U.S.-based company specializing in bio-surveillance, biosecurity, and public health capacity building, will work with the Ministry to roll out this new initiative.

This program is part of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity to detect and respond to emerging health threats, building on its experience from previous collaborations.

According to Dr. Christopher Nyaga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the program is designed to enhance the country’s ability to identify potential public health threats at key border entry points.

 It will be piloted at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and the Kazungula One Stop Border Post.

 In addition to monitoring at these locations, the program will also involve collecting wastewater samples at the Botswana Meat Commission abattoir in Lobatse.

The pathogen monitoring process is intended to be quick, efficient, and non-intrusive, allowing travelers to provide samples upon arrival with minimal disruption.

Air passengers will be able to participate in the program immediately after disembarking, while travelers arriving by road will be invited to contribute samples at the border posts.

Although participation in the program is voluntary, Dr Nyaga has encouraged travellers to take part, emphasizing the importance of early pathogen detection in safeguarding the health of Botswana’s citizens, residents, and visitors.

He also reassured the public that all samples would remain anonymous, ensuring participants’ privacy.

The data collected from these samples will be critical in strengthening Botswana’s public health infrastructure.

The Ministry aims to improve the country’s preparedness to respond to potential public health emergencies by monitoring for disease-causing microorganisms at these entry points.

 The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to proactive disease surveillance, a key component in preventing the spread of infections and emerging diseases.

This new program follows Botswana’s introduction of pox screening at its borders last month and builds upon the country’s prior experience with pathogen monitoring.

In 2022, Botswana, in collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, launched a similar monitoring program focused on detecting new variants of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, which was first discovered in the country.

 The success of that program has laid the groundwork for this latest effort, as Botswana continues to take a leading role in bio-surveillance in the region.

Public health experts have praised the initiative, noting its potential to complement existing disease prevention strategies.

Dr. Mbatshi Mazwiduma, a prominent public health specialist, commended the Ministry for combining traditional surveillance methods with innovative approaches.

He remarked that this dual approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge techniques for detecting and mitigating disease threats, thereby contributing to Botswana’s more robust health security framework.

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