Acting President Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe today officiated the ceremonial handover of the 100th pediatric operating room donated by global health charity Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone. The event marks a significant milestone for Botswana’s pediatric healthcare and positions the country within a global movement aimed at improving surgical care for children.
During his address, Acting President Gaolathe praised the donation as a meaningful and practical solution to the persistent challenges facing child health services in Botswana. He emphasized that the availability of a specialized pediatric operating room would significantly improve access to life-saving surgeries for children and reduce dependency on limited surgical facilities.
Highlighting the global journey of KidsOR, Mr. Gaolathe noted that the organization began with a single intervention in Uganda and has since expanded its footprint across multiple continents. The initiative now provides critical surgical infrastructure that empowers local medical teams to deliver safe, timely pediatric care.
The Acting President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Lansdown family, whose funding made the Gaborone project possible. He underscored that transformative progress in the healthcare sector is built on strong partnerships, sustained investment, and the tireless efforts of dedicated health professionals.
“This operating room is not just a facility; it’s a beacon of hope. It will support local surgical teams and ensure that children in Botswana have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” Gaolathe said.
The new pediatric theater at Princess Marina Hospital is fully equipped with child-sized surgical tools and anesthesia equipment, ensuring procedures are tailored specifically to young patients. By focusing on long-term sustainability, KidsOR’s model also includes training, capacity building, and local empowerment—critical components for lasting healthcare improvement.
As Botswana continues to enhance its healthcare system, the partnership with KidsOR represents a tangible step toward achieving health equity and reducing preventable childhood mortality. The 100th operating room is more than a donation—it’s a legacy of hope, healing, and global solidarity.
