Botswana VP tours vaccine institute as FMD supply gap widens

A vaccine shortfall just put Botswana’s beef lifeline on edge as Foot and Mouth Disease pressure keeps climbing.

Green zone stakes and Kgotla message

• Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe toured the Botswana Vaccine Institute during the outbreak push.
• Gaolathe warned at Jackalas No. 1 and Phitshane Molopo Kgotla meetings.
• Green zone status keeps Botswana’s beef in premium markets.
• Losing that label would hammer farmers and national revenue.

Vaccine gap at Botswana Vaccine Institute

• Andrew Madeswi said Southern Africa needs 43 million FMD doses.
• BVI can only pump out about 25 million annually.
• Rising outbreaks in neighboring countries are squeezing supply.
• Production limits expose a serious regional shortfall.

Push to diversify and compete globally

• Gaolathe urged BVI to rethink its long-term game plan.
• The institute was challenged to branch beyond Foot and Mouth Disease.
• Expanding livestock vaccines could steady revenue streams.
• Competitive exports would fuel industrial growth and skills.