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Summary of the National eHealth Strategy of Botswana (2020-2024)

The National eHealth Strategy of Botswana (2020-2024) is a blueprint to guide the Ministry of Health and Wellness, implementing partners, and stakeholders in improving the performance of the health sector through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

The strategy is built on three pillars:

• eHealth Infrastructure: This pillar focuses on developing and strengthening the ICT infrastructure that is essential for the delivery of eHealth services. This includes expanding access to broadband internet, deploying electronic health records (EHRs) and other eHealth systems, and ensuring the security and privacy of health data.
• eHealth Services: This pillar focuses on developing and delivering eHealth services that meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and the public health system. This includes services such as telemedicine, e-prescribing, and digital health interventions.
• eHealth Capacity: This pillar focuses on building the capacity of healthcare providers and the public to use eHealth services effectively. This includes training on eHealth systems, raising awareness of eHealth benefits, and supporting the development of local eHealth solutions.

The strategy identifies a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to implement it successfully. These challenges include:

• Unreliable internet services: Botswana's internet infrastructure is still developing, and internet access can be unreliable in some areas.
• Data protection: It is important to ensure the security and privacy of health data when using eHealth systems.
• Lack of awareness: Many people in Botswana are not aware of eHealth and its benefits.
• Limited capacity: There is a need to build the capacity of healthcare providers and the public to use eHealth services effectively.

The strategy outlines a number of actions that will be taken to address these challenges and implement the strategy successfully. These actions include:

• Investing in the development of the ICT infrastructure
• Deploying EHRs and other eHealth systems in all public health facilities
• Developing and delivering eHealth services that meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and the public health system
• Training healthcare providers and the public on eHealth systems
• Raising awareness of eHealth benefits
• Supporting the development of local eHealth solutions

The National eHealth Strategy of Botswana (2020-2024) is a comprehensive and ambitious strategy that has the potential to transform the delivery of healthcare in Botswana.