Where in the world is professor Sunil Khanna? Botswana | OSU Today

Sunil Khanna is a professor and director of the Center for Global Health in Oregon State University’s College of Health. He also leads the center’s Botswana Global Health Initiative, which takes undergraduate and graduate students from across OSU to Botswana every year, where they gain hands-on experience in community health and cross-cultural training.

Where were you working? 
Maunatlala and its surrounding villages, Moremi and Mokokwana, since 2017; then in 2023 I expanded my work to Matlhako and Mookane. 

What languages are spoken there? 
Botswana’s official language is English; however, many people in the rural areas speak Setswana.

What is the focus of your work? 
My work in Botswana is part of the Botswana Global Health Initiative (BGHI), a collaborative effort focused on understanding and addressing Botswana’s health priorities. By partnering with rural communities, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, BGHI develops and implements culturally appropriate strategies to promote sexual and reproductive health, prevent gender-based violence, foster positive youth development and mainstream disability. This initiative also provides research and internship opportunities for students, and works to ensure sustainable and meaningful engagement with our partners in Botswana. 

BGHI fosters partnerships that bring fresh ideas and energy to local initiatives. Collaborative projects have introduced new resources and strategies while prioritizing community-driven solutions. These trips also provide transformative learning experiences for OSU students, deepening their understanding of health and helping them learn how to problem-solve and develop cultural humility.

Khanna, left, in discussion with representatives from Botswana’s Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture. 

How much time have you spent there?
I’ve been going to Botswana with the Global Health Initiative at least twice a year since 2017 and spend about two months there each year. 

What’s the best food you’ve eaten there? 
Seswaa. It is a traditional dish made with beef or goat. The meat is boiled slowly in salted water and onions, then shredded and served with maize or sorghum. 

What’s the most non-touristy thing you’ve gotten to do? 
One of the coolest things a community member has shown me is how to create traditional baskets using local grasses. The process requires incredible skills and patience and reflects a deep understanding and connection with the natural environment and cultural heritage. I learned that patterns on the baskets reflect the unique histories of local communities and traditions.

What’s an important phrase you’ve learned in the local language? 
“Dumela” for hello, “Ke a leboga” for thank you, and “Botsogo bo botlhokwa” — health is important.

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Two OSU students pose with two Botswanan students who have just completed a training program in sexual and reproductive health. 

What’s one thing you’ll take home with you? 
I deeply appreciate the sense of community and connection in Botswana, mainly when working directly with rural communities. Engaging with local leaders and youth, learning from their perspectives and witnessing their resilience and creativity in addressing health challenges is incredibly inspiring.

What were you most surprised to learn? 
I’ve been most surprised and inspired by the depth of resilience and resourcefulness within the communities in Botswana. Despite facing significant challenges, such as the HIV pandemic and limited access to health care and social services, many communities have developed innovative approaches to addressing their needs. I’ve learned how important it is to listen and adapt – solutions that work in one context may not translate to another. This has reinforced the importance of humility, flexibility and the co-creation of solutions in global health work. 

What’s the biggest challenge of working there? 
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating the logistical complexities of working in rural and remote areas. These include limited infrastructure, access to resources and transportation. Additionally, ensuring that health initiatives are culturally appropriate and sustainable requires significant time spent on building trust and meaningful partnerships with local communities and government decision-makers. Language and cultural nuances can also pose challenges, but they are opportunities for growth, deeper understanding and learning about our assumptions and biases. 

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Khanna (blue t-shirt) and OSU students show off their completed puzzle while working in Botswana.

Besides family, what do you most miss from home? 
I most miss the familiarity and convenience of home – things like easy access to a wide variety of foods, reliable internet connectivity and the comfort of routine. However, these small absences make my work in Botswana even more enriching and meaningful.

What piece of advice would you give others who might travel there? 
I would suggest that anyone who wants to travel to Botswana approach the experience with an open mind and a deep respect for local cultures and traditions. Spend time learning about the history and customs of the communities you interact with. This will help you understand the context and build stronger, more meaningful connections. Be patient and adaptable; things may not always go according to plan, but flexibility and a positive attitude will help you make the most of your experience. Also, Botswana has incredible natural beauty (Okavango Delta, wildlife, etc.). Immerse yourself in local food, art and community life to truly appreciate the richness of Botswana’s cultures.