Strengthening Spine Care in Botswana: Training Local Healthcare Providers in Evidence-Based Protocols
Earlier this year, the World Spine Care team based in Mahalapye embarked on an impactful outreach trip to some of the most remote areas of Botswana.
Over two weeks from late February to early March, a dedicated team journeyed over 3,500 kilometers (more than 2,000 miles) round-trip from their home clinic, making stops at five hospitals in Tsabong, Hukuntsi, Ghanzi, Shakawe, and Maun.
The team consisted of Clinic Supervisors Michael Pretorius (M. Tech Chiro) and Patrick Boylan (DC, EdD), along with their Healthcare Assistant Kabelo Sebati.
The trip focused on providing essential spinal care to underserved populations in these regions, with limited access to specialized healthcare. During their time on the road, the team had the opportunity to consult with more than 70 patients, many of whom were dealing with chronic pain conditions that had become disabling and difficult to manage. These patients often presented with complex spinal disorders, requiring careful, evidence-based management, which the team provided throughout their visits.
In addition to direct patient care, the team prioritized education and training in evidence-based spine care. They had the privilege of delivering presentations to over 120 healthcare professionals, including doctors, physiotherapists, and medical students. These sessions focused on evidence-based approaches to managing spinal disorders, an important area of care that can significantly improve quality of life for patients in lower- to middle-income countries.
Along the way, the team enjoyed the travel experience, from seeing the incredible scenery and wildlife of the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta, to tasting the local cuisines and exploring each destination. A highlight of the trip was visiting Tsodilo Hills—a UNESCO World Heritage Site estimated to have been inhabited by humans for over 100,000 years. The Hills contain roughly 400 rock art sites with over 4,000 individual paintings, hence its moniker as the “Louvre of the Desert.”
The success of the outreach trip was a reminder of the urgent need for more volunteers to join World Spine Care in its mission. The trip highlighted the challenges individuals in remote areas face in accessing quality spine care and the incredible impact that volunteers can have in filling this gap.
As the demand for spine care continues to rise in these regions, World Spine Care calls for more volunteers to contribute their expertise and help alleviate the burden of spinal disorders.
For those interested in getting involved, World Spine Care offers a chance to make a meaningful difference through volunteering. Individuals can learn more about how to join their efforts by visiting our Volunteer page. We encourage everyone to share this call to action, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to volunteer.
Not only did this outreach trip provide care for patients, but it also reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing healthcare disparities. By continuing to expand the volunteer base and provide essential spinal care, World Spine Care is making strides toward improving the health and well-being of underserved populations in Botswana and beyond.
This article originally appeared in the World Federation of Chiropractic Quarterly World Report in April 2025.
