In a landmark effort to tackle the high maternal mortality rate in Botswana, Orapa Mine Hospital has donated maternal well trays to the Boteti District Health Management Team. This initiative aims to address the alarming maternal death rate experienced in the Boteti region in 2023. Nationally, Botswana records approximately 80 maternal deaths annually, with 11% of these occurring in Boteti, a significantly higher proportion compared to other districts.

Dr. Unaswi Jenamo, a medical officer at Orapa Mine Hospital, highlighted that the majority of these maternal deaths are due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). "The primary challenge in managing PPH is the delay in diagnosis, often caused by the lack of objective blood loss measuring devices," Dr. Jenamo explained. "The maternal well tray serves as an objective blood loss measuring device, helping to bridge the gap in delays in diagnosis and treatment of PPH. This donation will significantly aid in the prevention of maternal deaths secondary to PPH, as it allows for timely diagnosis and early management."

This initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Specifically, target 3.1 of SDG 3 seeks to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. By providing essential medical equipment to improve maternal health outcomes, Debswana is contributing to this global effort.

Debswana, a joint venture between the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group, has a long-standing commitment to improving healthcare in the communities where it operates. The company spends over P160 million annually on healthcare, running two district referral hospitals at Jwaneng and Orapa mines. These hospitals provide essential services to over 200,000 community patients each year and are accredited by the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA).

In addition to maternal health initiatives, Debswana has been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS in Botswana. The company was the first in the world to introduce anti-retroviral therapy to employees and their families in 2001.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Debswana invested over P50 million in various interventions, including the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for clinics, vaccinations, and the establishment of isolation centers.

Debswana's healthcare initiatives are part of the company’s efforts to improving health outcomes but also contributing to the empowerment of communities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.