compared to 2008 at 195.7 per 100, 000 live births. This ratio decreased from 188.7
per 100, 000 live births in 2011 to 147.9 per 100, 000 live births in 2012. Botswana
Maternal Mortality Ratio for the period 2008 to 2012 is given in Table 15.
Botswana Maternal Mortality Ratio, 2008-201240
Institutional live births
Non-Institutional live-births
Total live-births
Maternal Deaths
Maternal Morality Ratio (per
100,000 live-births)
2008
44,212
749
44,961
88
195.73
2009
45,145
220
45,365
86
189.57
2010
49,853
475
50,328
82
163.0
2011
44,904
104
45,008
85
188.86
2012
49,957
91
50,048
74
147.9
The Maternal and Neonatal Health Programme has accelerated the reduction of
maternal and infant mortality rate. Particular attention is being given to unsafe
abortions as they also contribute to the country’s high maternal mortality. In that
regard, a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and neonatal care is being employed
to reduce the impact of clandestine and unsafe abortion on maternal mortality.
According to the 2001 Population and Housing Census, life expectancy in
Botswana stood at 55.6 years. However, an increase was registered in the 2011
Population and Housing Census wherein life expectancy stood at 68 years. Females
continue to register a higher life expectancy of 70 years while their male
counterparts have a lower life expectancy of 66 years.
The Right to Health for Foreigners
In 2009, Botswana introduced the provision of Anti-Retroviral drugs to refugees
with the support of the Red Cross and PEPFAR. This was possible with the
support of the United States of America and United Nations High Commission for
Refugees (UNHCR). In addition, Botswana has developed and implemented robust
awareness campaigns for the refugee community, with a view to help advance HIV
prevention and promotes abstinence. In 2010, a resident doctor was posted to the
Dukwi Refugee Camp to deal first hand with the health needs of the refugee
community.
Due to financial constraints, Government has been unable to provide ARVs to
foreign inmates. In the case of Tapela & Others Vs AG; BONELA instituted an
action against the Government, seeking those foreign inmates be provided with free
ARV therapy. Judgment was granted in favour of the foreign inmates. Upon appeal
by Government against the decision of the High Court, the Court of Appeal upheld
40
See Central Statistics Office, 2012.
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