Botswana

Executive summary

Since 1989, Cuba's medical mission to Botswana has evolved through successive agreements—reaching Programme Integral de Salud status in 2003—and remains active in 2026, with approximately 90 personnel across nine districts. Official figures fluctuate inconsistently across years (65 in 2012, 101 in 2015 and 2018, 80 in 2023, 90 in 2025), suggesting reporting irregularities rather than transparent tracking. Documented labour violations include passport confiscation, movement restrictions, exclusivity clauses barring independent economic activity, unpaid vacation periods, and workweeks exceeding 58 hours. Political dimensions are also confirmed, with personnel instructed toward proselytism and political influence among the population. Behind clinical white coats, contracts of silence bind hands meant to heal. Cuba exports doctors, but exports control first.

Mission data

Research profile