The 40-paged read, published locally by AfroShapers, is a well-illustrated book which emphasises the importance of making healthier choices and aims to raise awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to positively impact the future and the economy. The book is available in both English and Setswana versions in a bid to cater for diverse audience with different cultural backgrounds.
The English version was translated to Setswana by Rona Letlhogile. "Language should not be a barrier in education and we took an intentional step to have this informative publication in both languages that are spoken in Botswana," elaborated Kabotho. The book is appropriate for all ages and takes readers on a journey through a series of stories, with each story focusing on a different NCD. Through these stories, readers become acquainted with a diverse group of characters who face various NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, and depression.
Each NCD is explained in detail, providing examples and clear explanations of the causes, symptoms, and possible prevention or management approaches. 'Healthy Warriors! Conquering NCDs' is an engaging and educational storybook deliberately designed to educate young readers about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), diseases that cannot be passed from one person to the other. These efforts, the author remarks, are in line with the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. I am passionate about Public Health Education and I also have a desire to contribute to the well-being of communities," highlighted Kabotho.
This is testament to the author using her educational and professional background to the fullest ability in an effort to play a role in the advancement of heath care, Public Health Education and overall betterment of society. The beneficial book can be used by schools, hospitals, health care facilities, parents and guardians, public health practitioners, as an educational tool to inform, educate, prevent and know more about NCDs. Kabotho, whose professional affiliations and memberships include being the Secretary of Botswana Epidemiology Chapter and Vice Chairperson of Association of Women in Science Botswana, says she was motivated by these positions to further write this book.
The author states that she used to teach children about NCDs at the local library in Jwaneng every other Saturday and found it fit to now have it in an interactive book format so that other children across the country can benefit as well. "I want children to be informed about NCDs now so that they can be able to make choices that can prevent them from potentially having them in the future. In this case knowledge is power," remarked Kabotho as another of the reasons why she authored "Health Warriors! Conquering NCDs" Due to the limited resources of NCDs that children can relate to, Kabotho decided to simplify and package the message in a way they can understand.
The children’s book amplifies the significant role that personal lifestyle choices and awareness play in preventing or managing NCDs. It epitomises the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activities, mental health and adopting habits that promote overall well-being in a very creative and engaging manner. By empowering young people with this knowledge, the book aims to transform them into advocates for their own health and influencers for a healthier future. "Healthy Warriors! Conquering NCDs" is proudly sponsored and supported by the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Hydrate Still Water, Blue Chip Holdings, PulaMed and Zone Two Printers, and will be launched on June 4, 2024.
