01 Aug 2023

Ministry of Health and UNICEF have released a documentary film that juxtaposes the enduring moments of the COVID-19 pandemic with Botswana’s vaccination success story.

Vaccinating a Nation - Botswana COVID-19 Success Story is a captivating and powerful short documentary film that portrays the resilience and tenacity of a nation in distress and facing imminent deaths.

With a narration tracing the origins of the virus, the 45-minute documentary takes the viewer back to the early days when Botswana also recorded its first COVID-19 case, the confusion and uncertainty that ensued as no one knew what monster they were facing.

Even worse for the health officials, whom the entire nation pinned their hopes on for solutions, the situation remained more stressful with devastating psychological impact as the smell of death hung in the air threatening to wipe out humanity.

Featuring interviews from various stakeholders such as health officials across the country, the media, public as well as well-wishers who came through for Botswana, the documentary is a reminder of how the global community was violently thrown into abyss with many unanswered questions.

Although not too overwhelming to watch as it does not depict the actual deaths, pagers buzzing, code blue moments in hospitals, and ear-piercing sirens from speeding ambulances, the narrative takes the viewer to every single moment that Batswana endured.

Of significance, emotionally, in the documentary is the scene that captures the July 2021 moment when the tiny population of Botswana was overwhelmed with distress.

The narration about the devastating moment of July 2021 is delivered with black and white visuals, signifying grief coupled with fear.

The scene somewhat evokes restored emotions.

It is, however, a not so hard to watch piece and also not cruel to the eye because of its ability to portray how a country in distress managed to win the COVID-19 battle.

The dexterity of the cameraman offers the viewer unfettered access into government’s initiatives to roll out a nationwide vaccination programme and attendant’s life- saving measures.

The camera traverses the cities, towns, villages and hamlets alike in the most unforgiving terrains of Botswana.

The documentary shows the viewer the initiatives that eventually proved to be a success.

Vaccinating a Nation - Botswana COVID-19 Success Story depicts rive-throughs and door-to-door moments using people of influence to demonstrate the efforts and intentions of the vaccination exercise and how Botswana became a success story.

Eventually becoming one of the first countries to surpass the targeted percentage of vaccinated populations, Botswana defied the odds with little to nothing.

“This documentary captures this story and the transformative power of COVID-19 vaccines, not only in protecting individuals, but also in shaping the course of our nation’s recovery.

The documentary is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and collective effort. It explores the relentless pursuit of a solution and a beacon of hope that has guided us through the darkest nights.

As we witness the stories, experiences, and scientific insights presented in this documentary, we are reminded of the monumental efforts made by scientists, healthcare workers, and policy makers, who worked tirelessly to save lives and restore our communities. Their dedication and sacrifice deserve our deepest gratitude,” said Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti at the documentary’s premier.

Dr Dikoloti said the documentary ought to be more than just a film.

He said it must be a catalyst for change, a springboard for discussion, and a testament to the resilient and enduring human spirit. ENDS