Diamond Slump Prompts Botswana Health Emergency
August 25, 25
(IDEX Online) - The government of Botswana today (25 August) declared a public health emergency and warned of dire shortages in essential medicines as a result of the slump in diamond sales.
Diamond revenue for the world's biggest producer by value halved in 2024, and production is expected to drop by at least a quarter this year.
Earlier today President Duma Boko declared a public health emergency, citing a severe disruption in the national medical supply chain due to financial shortfalls.
He is reallocating 5 bn pula (USD 348m) from other government funds.
The state-owned investment company, Botswana Development Corp has contributed 100m pula (USD 7.3m) and Boko has appealed for financial help from pension and insurance funds.
The military has been brought in to help distribute medical supplies to more remote parts of the country.
Reuters, Bloomberg and local media all point to diamond revenue as the direct cause of the emergency.
Boko mentioned diamond market challenges in official communications but avoided direct public mention in some social media posts.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter he said: "Our health system has come under severe strain due to past irregularities.
"Today, I declared a State of Public Health Emergency to fast-track solutions and save lives.
"Tonight, the first consignments of life-saving medicines depart Gaborone for every corner of the country."
The health ministry says medicines are in short supply for treating hypertension, cancers, diabetes, eye conditions, asthma, sexual and reproductive health concerns, tuberculosis, and mental health conditions.
Videograb of President Duma Boko in a TV address earlier today.