News from World Spine Care
Strengthening Spine Care in Botswana: Training Local Healthcare Providers in Evidence-Based Protocols
Earlier this year, a 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.
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. They also had the privilege of delivering presentations to over 120 healthcare professionals, including doctors, physiotherapists, and medical students.
“Forward Together” – Advancing Chiropractic in Africa
The African Chiropractic Federation held its annual meeting on January 16-17, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this post, Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe, president of the ACF and Clinic Coordinator for World Spine Care in Botswana, recaps the event.
A Year In Review - Volunteering in Botswana
At the start of 2023, I packed my bags and whatever else could fit into my little car. I left my life in Johannesburg, South Africa to volunteer as a chiropractor for World Spine Care. Here are the top things I've learned from my time treating patients in an underserved community in Botswana.
A Visit to Botswana – President Haldeman’s Reflections
This past summer, World Spine Care founder and president Dr. Scott Haldeman traveled to Botswana with his wife, Joan. They spent a few days touring the clinics and visiting with Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe and Dr. Michael Pretorius, the two chiropractors running the clinics in Gaborone, Mahalapye, and Shoshong Village. Dr. Haldeman shares some thoughts about the progress and future of World Spine Care in Botswana.
A 50-km Ultramarathon for Low Back Pain
Join Michael Pretorius as he runs 50 kilometers across the largest salt pan on earth.
“They say in the middle of the pan, you cannot see land in any direction you look, only flat white salt for as far as the eye can see. It’s the closest thing to running on the moon you will ever experience.”
Volunteering Across Borders: Introducing Michael Pretorius
This week, we introduce you to Dr. Michael Pretorius, the latest clinical supervisor to join the World Spine Care team in Botswana. Originally from South Africa, he didn’t have to travel far – just a few hundred kilometers to the north – but, for him, it’s been a positive change to join a meaningful project to improve people’s lives.
Celebrating One Year of the Broadhurst 3 Clinic
The newest installment of World Spine Care clinics in Gaborone, Botswana turns one in March 2022. The patients that come to the clinic receive care are the real fruit of the efforts by Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe, the clinical coordinator. One such person who has benefitted from the care provided at the BH3 shared his story.
The Gifts We Have to Give
Dr. Mufudzi Chihambakwe is the Clinical Supervisor for the World Spine Care’s new BH3 Clinic in Gabarone, Botswana. He wrote this poem in honor of Dr. Shannon Bloch, who passed away in 2019 after working as an associate volunteer with World Spine Care.
World Spine Care Announces the Launch of New Spine Care Clinic in Botswana
World Spine Care (WSC) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new spine care clinic in Botswana’s Broadhurst 3 (BH3) Clinic in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Origins of the First World Spine Care Clinic
This is how the Okavango Delta led to Dr. Geoff Outerbridge volunteering as the first clinical director for World Spine Care.
Q&A with Director of Volunteer Programs, Kait Graham
Dr. Kait Graham is the Director of Volunteer Programs and Operations at World Spine Care. She previously volunteered as a Volunteer Associate in Mahalapye and Shoshong, Botswana in 2015. World Spine Care asked Kait to share more about how she got involved with the organization and what spine care practitioners should know if they’d like to volunteer.
Ten Years of Back Pain Improved in One Month
Gaokgethelwe Seeletso is a mother of two living in Gabarone, Botswana. Just like 540 million other people around the world, she suffers from low back pain.
World Spine Care Volunteers: Where Are They Now?
Meet Nadine Harrison, former Clinical Supervisor in Botswana from April 2016–May 2017. World Spine Care caught up with Nadine recently to learn more about what she is up to, and to learn more about how her experience working in a World Spine Care clinic have impacted her career.
Remembering Sally Valentine
We mourn the passing of Sally Valentine on May 19, 2020; highly respected WSC volunteer, California school nurse, humanitarian, and friend.
Local Heros - Meet Kabelo Sebati, Lead Yoga Teacher in Botswana
Kabelo has been an invaluable supporter of World Spine Care’s Yoga Project in Botswana. He has assisted the Yoga Project with real-time translation and cultural learning, and he has helped to keep up the enthusiasm for the Yoga Project in the region.
World Spine Care reached out to Kabelo, to learn a little bit more about his journey into the Yoga Project, and what drives him.
Meet Gasebomo: A wife. A nurse. A mother.
Gasebomo is a happily married mother of two who helps to support her family by working as a nurse in a local hospital. But for the last 10 years, Gasebomo has suffered from low back pain which has left her unable to work or care for herself and her children.
On the Ground in Botswana with COVID-19
One of our World Spine Care Clinical Supervisors in Botswana is Mufudzi Chihambakwe. Dr. Chihambakwe is also a member of the Botswana Government Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) staff member, and also therefore on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notice from World Spine Care Regarding COVID-19
The health and safety of World Spine Care (WSC) clinicians, volunteers, and patients at our global clinics is our highest priority.
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