The Angels Initiative hosted the very first Angels Regional Stroke Workshop in Botswana on 22 August 2025. The workshop was held at Protea Hotel by Marriott Masa Square, Gaborone.
The workshop was originally planned to have a maximum 40 pax including speakers but on the day, more than 60 healthcare professionals attended the workshop, representing Princess Marina Hospital, Sidilega Private Hospital, Lenmed Bokamoso Private Hospital, Life Gaborone Private Hospital, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Gaborone EMS, Emergency Assist 991, Critical Emergency Care 920 and MRI Botswana.
The agenda started off with an update on Angels Initiative progress in Botswana, and an introduction to the Angels Regional approach strategy. The educational portion of the agenda focussed on Stroke basics & Recognition, Prehospital phase, Hyperacute phase & Decision Making in Hyperacute phase, and finally Quality Monitoring in Stroke.
Speakers were drawn from Botswana and South Africa. In the Botswana contingent were consultant neurologist Dr Ookeditse Ookeditse & ALS & Flight Paramedic Goitseone Mathumo. From South Africa, we had trailblazers emergency medical officer Dr Frederick Rossouw & Trauma Program Manager Sr Zasskia Wiese. Fast Heroes National Coordinator, Renathe van der Merwe, was also in attendance to formally introduce the Fast Heroes program to Botswana delegates.
We also had the pleasure of having members of the Botswana Ministry of Health present, including Hon. Lawrence Ookeditse, the Assistant Minister of Health in Botswana, accompanied by Private Secretary Thato Best Dineoe. Hon. Lawrence Ookeditse was able to attend most of the program and take part in discussions about strategies to improve stroke care in Botswana.
Here's what the speakers thought of the event:
Zasskia Wiese, Netcare Trauma Program Manager: “I thoroughly enjoyed presenting at the workshop in Botswana — the teams were incredibly receptive and deeply committed to improving stroke care. It was inspiring to see such strong engagement, including the participation of the Assistant Minister of Health, demonstrating the country’s dedication to advancing stroke care for all.”
Goitseone Mathumo, ALS Paramedic, Emergency Assist 991: ''I was truly inspired as an individual by the Botswana Stroke Workshop. It was encouraging to see healthcare professionals from different backgrounds coming together with one goal, to strengthen stroke care and save lives through early recognition and coordinated response in stroke management.''
Dr Frederick Rossouw, Emergency Medical Officer, Life Wilgeheuwel: “Comprehensive stroke care is a testament to the power of science, teamwork and the human will. The Angels Botswana Stroke conference helped delegates to understand that through early recognition, timely interventions and compassionate care we can turn setbacks into stories of survival and strength.”
Dr Ookeditse Ookeditse, Consultant Neurologist, Sidilega Private Hospital: "The respondents were motivated and eager to learn that time is brain. Taking the right decision at the right time can safe lives and reduce morbidity."
Renathe van der Merwe, Fast Heroes Coordinator: “What a wonderful event to be a part of! It's not often that you get such an engaging and responsive group of people together. Loved the open discussions that took place and truly look forward to collaborating further with all the stakeholders so we can eventually roll out Fast Heroes in Botswana as well.”
