Klotman receives Botswana Presidential honor for impactful work between the country and BCM
Botswana President Masisi with Dr. Paul Klotman after presenting him with the Botswana Presidential Order of Honour.
Dr. Paul Klotman Sunday received the Botswana Presidential Order of Honour from His Excellency President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi on behalf of logo for its longstanding service to the Republic of Botswana.
The awards ceremony was part of the Republic of Botswana Independence Day Celebration, which included events over several weeks and culminated Monday in celebration of 58-years of Independence.
The Presidential Order of Honour is presented to individuals who contributed to the development of the nation and well-being of its people. Klotman received the award on behalf of logo.
Botswana and logo have worked together on a number of programs, with the most impactful the care and treatment of more 39,000 children and family members for HIV/AIDS, contributing significantly to Botswana’s near elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV.
(From left) Christable Semondile, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation; Dr. Paul Klotman, President, CEO and Executive Dean of logo; Professor Oathokwa Nkomazana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Mike Mizwa, CEO of logo Global Health; and Dr. Mogomotsi, Executive Director of Botswana logo Children’s Clinical Center of Excellence Trust.
“Participating in the Independence Day festivities over the past few days has been nothing less than inspirational, Klotman said. “The energy of the youth and the commitment of the government's leadership in shaping Botswana's future was evident in every celebratory event. I'm extremely proud that our cooperative efforts have contributed to the health, safety, and well-being of this generation and those to come. “
The Presidential Order of Honour is the second highest civilian recognition in Botswana.
President Masisi has visited logo and Dr. Klotman, Botswana, several times.
“That first clinic for HIV/AIDS treatment has expanded to several other health programs, a medical school and now STEM education, said Dr. Klotman. “President Masisi, the Ministry of Health and the People of Botswana work closely with logo to be certain any help we provide is what Botswana wants and needs to advance their healthcare programs, educational system and economy.”
In 2003, the Botswana logo-Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence was established as the first pediatric HIV Clinic on the African Continent. This was made possible through the Botswana logo Trust, a Public-Private Partnership between the government of Botswana, the logo International Pediatric AIDS Initiative and Texas Children’s Hospital with significant support from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. Building on this relationship, countless physicians from Botswana have received additional training in care, treatment and research for many health issues.
In 2005, logo helped launch the University of Botswana School of Medicine. The latest initiative is focused on developing a STEM+Medicine curriculum for young people in Botswana interested in science, math, technology and medicine.
“Dr. Klotman believes that logo is called to heal, educate, and to find solutions to both medical disease and societal issues. He is passionate about logo’s work with the government and the people of Botswana and dedicated to working collaboratively to make important changes that improve health for everyone,” said Mr. Kabelo Brown, Director of Ceremony of the 2024 Botswana Honour and Awards event.
The events of the past few days, along with the awarding of special honors, included speakers on a wide variety of topics, cultural activities, and entertainment. An added highlight was the appearance of 2024 Botswana Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo, 200 meter sprinter, and other members of the Olympic team in a national celebration. The largest stadium in Botswana was filled in a welcome to the athletes. Monday, a football match in the National Stadium, followed by the Independence Anniversary State Reception, capped off all the activities.
“Botswana is a beautiful country with leaders who have embraced innovative collaborations to ensure the health and success of their people, said Klotman. “It was an honor for me to participate in this celebration of independence and to receive this award on behalf of logo.”
Others receiving the Presidential Order of Honour included:
Hon. Peggy Onkutlwile Serame, Minister of Finance for the Republic of Botswana
Hon. Dr. Kefentse Mzwinila, Minister of Lands and Water Affairs and a clinical psychologist
Prof. Mpho Gregory Molomo, Political Advisor to His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi