The International Narcotics Control Board⁴ has published the following figures for the consumption of narcotic drugs in Botswana: codeine 3kg; morphine 1 kg; pethidine 2kg.

For the years 2000-2002, the average defined daily dose consumption of morphine for statistical purposes (S-DDD)⁵ in Botswana was 22. This compares with other African countries as follows: Swaziland 1; Egypt 2; Uganda 4; Zimbabwe 13; Namibia 73; South Africa 103. Twenty nine countries reported no morphine consumption during 2000-2002 (Table 2).

Table 2
Average daily consumption of defined daily doses (for statistical purposes) of morphine per million inhabitants, 2000-2002: countries of Africa

Source: International Narcotics Control Board Narcotic Drugs: Estimated World Requirements for 2004. Statistics for 2002. New York: United Nations, 2004.

Since 2002, morphine has been used in the adult oncology ward at the Princess Marina Hospital, yet pain control in the general health system is limited to pethidine and paracetamol based treatments. Syringe drivers are not common.

Holy Cross Hospice provides some medications for its patients. Only mild analgesics (paracetamol) are used for pain relief.

Light and Courage Centre is supportive of anti-retroviral therapy but does not offer opioid treatments.

 Ramotswa Hospice has a weekly visit from the hospital doctor who prescribes morphine as necessary.