BHSS is an initiative by the University of Botswana medical and nursing students, after recognizing the leadership role they can play in reshaping the healthcare system of Botswana. Based on an understanding of the current national challenges we face as a country, and also acknowledging that young people in all countries are both a major human resource for development and key agents for social change, economic development and technological innovations; they resolved to convene a symposium for all young healthcare students to exchange and forge a reasonable working model given the economic, social and environmental standing of Botswana with key government and civil society stakeholders. This national 3 day conference is strategically positioned to educate and encourage students of all medical professions in multidisciplinary cooperation, understanding and effective mutual communication, preparing them for a career as professional healthcare specialists. Being the key players and key influence in the healthcare of our country, the students recognize their social responsibility to address the challenges we face in our healthcare system and how they as young people can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our healthcare sector.Youth today has the sheer capacity to effect positive change, a capacity which remains largely untapped. As such the aim is to engage the healthcare students and stakeholders in the discussion of pertinent health issues in the country The conference which is going to be the first of its kind will enjoy the patronage of the former health minister, Professor Sheila Tlou and who will also give a keynote address on the 5th of December at the official launch of the Botswana healthcare Students Symposium. The symposium aims to address issues of Non-communicable diseases, Health inequalities, Health informatics, Research and the role of youth in healthcare decision making. The conference is going to include Batswana medical students studying both in Botswana and South Africa, UB Nursing students, IHS students, and students from Boitekanelo College. These delegates will be addressed by various speakers among them the Permanent Secretary of the ministry health DrMalefho and the WHO country representative DrNyarko and many other reputable speakers in the field of medicine.

1. SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2012
BHSS Official Launch Dinner and Opening Ceremony
Time: 1830hrs – 2100hrs
Venue: Faculty of Health Sciences, South-East Corner of UB Main Campus
Programme
1. Welcoming Remarks by Prof Sandro Vento
Acting Head, School of Medicine
2. Keynote Speaker: Professor Sheila Tlou
Director UNAIDS Regional Support Team, Eastern and Southern Africa
3. BHSS Organising Committee President
Lister K. Majuta, 4th year medical Student, UB
4. GHETS- Global Health through Education, Training and Service
Executive DirectorMeenakshiMenon
5. Vote of thanksby [name]
Deputy Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences
DRINKS! DRINKS! DRINKS! DRINKS! DRINKS!

2. THURSDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2012
DAY 1- PRIORITIES IN HEALTHCARE
Early Morning Session
1. Panel Discussion #1: Making the right Decisions
0730hrs – 0900hrs
Botswana’s Healthcare System
Dr KolaatamoMalefho(Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health)
Lessons and Leverage from HIV
DrThembaMoeti(Outgoing CEO,ACHAP)
NCDCare in Botswana
Dr Eugene Nyarko(WHO Country Representative)
Models of Approach in Education and Training
Dr Billy Tsima(UBSOMFamily Medicine programme)
2. REMIX ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
With panellists, invited guests, delegates and the broader audience
0900hrs – 1000hrs
Moderated discussion on the panel
Open debate

3. 3. Panel Discussions 2- Shaping the future-HIV way or the NCD avenue?
1000hrs – 1200hrs
Cervical cancer the rising epidemic
Dr DoreenRamogola-Masire(BUP country director) 20mins
Mental health reforms to meet the 21st century care
Dr Phillip Opondo(UB Head of Psychiatry)
Experiences, the new HIV patient, Challenges of HIV resistance, Medically
induced disorders and the future care of HIV in Botswana
Dr M. Havekamp(Lead HIV specialist BUP)
Moderated discussion on the panel
Open debate
1200- 1330hrsLUNCH
4. Panel Discussion 3 ~ HEALTH INEQUITIES-The road to vision 2030
1330hrs -1430hrs
Community based organization’s local experiences
Kuru
Equity and healh Systems: Making it work for the poor
Mr Cecil Haverkamp (Strategic Advisor, Medical Education Patnerships
Initiative, UBSOM)
Men for health and gender Justice, Mr R. Letlhogile

4. 1430hrs
Moderated discussion on the panel
Open debate
Panel Discussion 4~ HEALTH INFORMATICS- A young field that is
transforming health and healthcare across the globe
1530 -1615 hrs
Health Informatics 1.0: The Basics-
Mr. Martin Stimela (CDC, Botswana)
Revolutionizing Healthcare Provision with Health Informatics-
Mr. Tom Achoki (MoH)
Re-engineering Education via mLearning-
Ms.MasegoKebaetse (UB, MEPI- mLearning)
Health Informatics Capacity Building for Health Professionals-
Cynthia (Botswana-UPenn Partnership)-
The Landscape of Health Informatics in Botswana-
All Panelists
1630-1730hrs
Moderated discussion on the panel
Open debate
1800hrs DINNER
2000hrs – 2200hrs Social Event(TBA)

5. DAY 2 07 December 2012
Panel Discussion 1 ~ Paving the way for the Next generation,
Professionalism and Career development
0730hrs – 0900hrs
1. Prof John Cookson
2. Career options in healthcare and gaps in the healthcare sectors
3. Barriers and opportunities in professional development
0930hrs – 1130hrs
Panel Discussion 2 ~YOUTH TAKING THE LEAD IN HEALTH DECISIONS…
Youth empowerment in healthcare decision making
How young doctors revolutionized healthcare in South Sudan
DrHibaSalih(GHETS)
University of Botswana medical Students Association
Building capacity for youth heath organisations
Mr Desmond Lunga (Stepping Stones)
1120hrs – 1200hrs REMIX SESSION (P) (How is Botswana fairing re: health
indicators, and what role are medical students/healthcare students going to
play? Where are the gaps and how can med students be involved in
addressing them now and in the longer term)
Moderated discussion on the panel

6. Open debate
1200hrs – 1330hrs LUNCH
Panel Discussion ~ RESEARCH
1330hrs
Overview of research (why it is important, scope of research that
medical students can be involved in, IRB application process)
DrPolokoKebaabetswe
Ways to involve Students into research and potential benefits
Prof Mazonde
Presentations by med students and residents involved in research
Mr AntanoidLangeveldt 4th year medical Student, UB School of Medicine
1415 – 1500hrs
GLOBAL HEALTH THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING AND
SERVICE(GHETS)
Presentations on potential funding areas from the GHETS seed fund to
students and faculty projects
MEPI, Medical Education Partnerships Initiative, UB
Presentation of its project
1500hrs – 1630hrs CLOSING CEREMONY AND AWARDING OF
CERTIFICATES
1. Presentations from breakoff workshops (P) (Resolutions and
recommendations)
2. Closing speech