BotswanaPost, in collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), has officially launched Post4Health in Botswana, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare logistics network. The launch event, held at the BotswanaPost International Mail Exchange Centre (IMEC), was officiated by Hon. David Tshere, Minister of Communications and Innovation, alongside Hon. Shawn Nthaile, Assistant Minister.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. David Tshere emphasized that the initiative aligns with Botswana’s National Development Plan (NDP 11) and Vision 2036, particularly Pillar 2, which focuses on human and social development. "The Post4Health initiative ensures that essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies reach all corners of the country—particularly our most underserved communities," he said. He further highlighted that the initiative supports Botswana’s Health Policy and Climate Change Policy, integrating energy-efficient cold-chain logistics to enhance medical supply distribution.
A Strategic Step for BotswanaPost
BotswanaPost’s Board Chairperson Mr. Nathan Kgabi, expressed pride in the organization’s continuous evolution and its commitment to national progress. He further emphasized that the Universal Service Obligation (USO) remains at the core of BotswanaPost’s operations, ensuring access to essential services, including healthcare logistics, financial inclusion, and secure communications.
Highlighting BotswanaPost’s long-standing commitment to healthcare logistics, he referenced the strategic partnership with Central Medical Stores (CMS), which began in 2012. "Acknowledging the logistical challenges of reaching healthcare facilities, especially in remote areas, BotswanaPost has utilized its extensive delivery network to assist the Ministry of Health in ensuring equitable access to healthcare," he said. The collaboration has already contributed to enhanced cold-chain transportation and advanced vehicle tracking systems to safeguard the integrity of medicines and vaccines.
UPU Post4Health Fund: A Milestone for Botswana
Botswana has become the third country globally, after Argentina and Namibia, to benefit from the UPU Post4Health Fund. BotswanaPost CEO Mr. Cornelius Ramatlhakwane announced that through this fund, BotswanaPost has secured CHF 150,000 (P2.35 million) for the procurement of four specialized temperature-controlled vehicles. "Today is more than just about logistics—it is a step toward a resilient, inclusive, and efficient healthcare system that reaches every corner of our nation," he remarked.
These vehicles, which are fibre-insulated and designed for cold-chain logistics, will ensure the safe and efficient delivery of vaccines, medicines, and other critical health supplies, maintaining strict temperature controls throughout transit.
A Model for Public-Private Partnerships
Hon. Tshere praised the initiative as a model of how strategic partnerships between public institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders can drive meaningful impact. "The success of Post4Health is a clear demonstration of how such partnerships can drive meaningful impact," he stated, commending the Universal Postal Union, BotswanaPost and all stakeholders for their unwavering dedication.
In officially unveiling the new fleet, Hon. Tshere reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all Batswana highlighting the key value of seeing the introduction of initiatives such as Post4Health.
With Post4Health, BotswanaPost continues to redefine its role beyond traditional postal services, cementing its place as a key enabler of national development, healthcare accessibility, and social transformation.
The atmosphere at the launch was filled with gratitude and a shared sense of purpose, as stakeholders celebrated this milestone in Botswana’s healthcare logistics. BotswanaPost extends its sincere appreciation to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for its continued unwavering support.
