Old Mutual Life and Storkfort Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish their strategic alliance. The partnership aims to provide services that focus on prevention and early management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as employee wellness and financial education to corporates and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), mental wellness services, physical and nutritional wellness services.

The launch event held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Avani Gaborone Hotel was attended by the guest of honor, the Minister of Health, Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti, Old Mutual Life Board Chair, Ms. Tumi Mbaakanyi, General Manager of Old Mutual Life, Mr. Daniel Matlhagela, Storkfort Health Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mogwera Mogalakwe, and other dignitaries from the Ministry and the two organizations.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Matlhagela emphasized Old Mutual Life's commitment to mutualism and its promise to serve its clients. He expressed concern about NCDs, the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and their impact on families, businesses, and the economy. He reiterated that NCDs are preventable, and the partnership's focus is to raise health awareness and financial wellbeing in the workplace to increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and presenteeism.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti, also highlighted the economic cost of NCDs to the Botswana economy and the importance of government and parastatals working together to address these challenges. He commended Old Mutual Life and Storkfort Health for their innovative solutions and their contribution to attaining sustainable development goals.

Dr. Mogwera Mogalakwe, the CEO of Storkfort Health, spoke about the significance of medical assessments as an important component of occupational health services, which play a vital role in addressing wellness in the workplace. Through medical assessments, employers can identify and manage health risks before they become serious, promoting a healthy workforce and a safe working environment.

Ms. Tumi Mbaakanyi, Board Chair of Old Mutual Life, expressed her gratitude to the Minister and encouraged both organizations to continue being innovative in the services they deliver to Batswana. She believes that this partnership will bring about many positive changes and looks forward to seeing its fruits.

In conclusion, the partnership between Old Mutual Life and Storkfort Health is a significant step towards achieving a healthier and happier workforce, essential for any business's success. By providing prevention and early management services for NCDs, employee wellness and financial education to corporates and SMEs, mental wellness services, physical and nutritional wellness services, the partnership is poised to make a positive impact on the Botswana economy and the overall well-being of its people.