On 16 October 2026, World Spine Care celebrated World Spine Day in Botswana with a special wellness event promoting its mission to improve lives in underserved communities through sustainable, integrated, evidence-based care.
With the cooperation of the Government of Botswana, World Spine Care volunteers and staff, patients, and other community members came together to celebrate the importance of spine health. Among those helping make the event a success were Monica Hughes, Kabelo Sebati, Michael Pretorius, and other dedicated members of the World Spine Care team.
The event began with physical exercises and yoga coordinated by World Spine Care volunteers. Men and women took part, highlighting one of the best ways to help prevent back pain: staying active and exercising regularly. Yoga sessions already take place regularly at World Spine Care clinics in Mahalapye and Shoshong, but this event brought patients and community members together to share the experience.
Mindfulness activities followed. Through simple breathing exercises, participants experienced the calming benefits of slowing down, focusing on the present moment, and caring for both body and mind.
The gathering continued with a heartfelt singing of the Botswana National Anthem. The beautiful voices of those present reflected the unity and community spirit that made the day special.
Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe then addressed the gathering and introduced the official World Spine Day 2026 theme: “Spine Health for Life.” The theme reminded everyone that spine health matters at every stage of life, and that small, positive changes in daily routines can make a meaningful difference.
Other invited speakers discussed the challenges faced by people living with back pain and the prevalence of spinal problems in Botswana. They emphasised the importance of an active lifestyle, regular exercise, and seeking appropriate healthcare when needed. Their messages encouraged community members to take spine health seriously and make healthy choices part of everyday life.
After the speeches, the Botswana Association of Chiropractors conducted spinal and scoliosis screenings. Participants also received practical advice on spine health and general wellbeing, with opportunities to discuss concerns and ask chiropractors questions directly.
A memorable part of the event was the use of familiar Setswana words related to spine health and pain. These included mokwatla (back), botloko (pain), botokha (pain getting better), and itsidilo (exercises). Using familiar language helped connect health messages to everyday life and made the discussions more meaningful and accessible.
World Spine Day 2026 was more than a wellness event. It was a celebration of community, movement, knowledge, and access to healthcare. The day reminded everyone that caring for our spines is a lifelong commitment and that together we can build healthier communities.
Thank you to World Spine Care, the Government of Botswana, the Botswana Association of Chiropractors, all volunteers and staff, and everyone who helped make 16 October 2026 a memorable day for spine health in Botswana!
World Spine Day is an initiative of the World Federation of Chiropractic.