Using qualitative methods, this study analysed the process of training needs assessment in the Botswana public service, with special focus on five state sector ministries. It is evident from the research findings that there is little and an unsystematic approach to the needs assessment prior to training. The research further revealed that the seniority principle is a major determination of training needs in the public service which seemingly gives little regard to the manpower training needs. The study has also revealed that public service training is not strategic. Thus, public service training is not directed towards the realization of the public service strategic goals, mission, vision and development plans. This inadvertently compromises the relevance of training and fails to inculcate and nurture those skills that could help enhance performance and productivity. In an attempt to solve the problems identified in public service training needs assessment, the study recommends that a thorough needs assessment should be conducted at organizational, task and individual levels. The seniority principle does not justify training needs and need to be done away with. Finally, the combined use of different needs assessment methods and data sources is crucial to ensure proper needs identification.

The coronavirus disease 2019 has led to an unprecedented global public health crisis. COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020 and a pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Following the COVID-19 outbreak, WHO and other public health organisations developed preventive guidelines against the disease. Using desktop research, this paper looks at current COVID-19 preventive measures and highlights some lessons for mandatory public health policy measures. The paper begins by giving a brief account on the background to coronavirus disease 2019, its modes of transmission, as well as current preventive measures against the disease. The paper concludes by recommending mandatory public health policy measures that need to be adopted to prevent, control and manage current and future similar outbreaks. In particular, considering the current COVID-19 preventative measures, the paper advances some recommendations on priority areas that could be adopted, maintained and sustained at policy level to provide direction on prevention and control of transmissible diseases. The priority areas recommended include but not limited to, risk assessment, community education, social and physical distancing strategic interventions, disinfection measures as well as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).