BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has received high commendation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for its strides in strengthening Eswatini’s health system, particularly through reforms in health financing and the digitisation of operations.
The praise came from Dr Lul Riek of the Africa CDC during the official launch of Eswatini’s National Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Guidelines, held recently in Mbabane.
Dr Riek hailed Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula for his leadership, saying Eswatini’s reforms were a model for the rest of the continent.
“The time has come for this generation to rebuild Africa’s health systems, and I am proud to see Honourable Minister Matsebula working tirelessly towards strengthening Eswatini’s health system,” he said. “The time has come for Africa to rethink its health financing, and Africa CDC is committed to supporting your vision.”
A Stronger Health Future
The introduction of the EBS Guidelines is a landmark step in Eswatini’s efforts to modernise its disease surveillance and response systems. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on laboratory confirmation, event-based surveillance draws information from community observations, media reports, and clinics, enabling early detection of unusual health threats.
Minister Matsebula described the guidelines as the eyes and ears of the health system, noting that they will allow the country to detect and contain health emergencies before they escalate into crises.
The initiative forms part of a wider push to build resilience within Eswatini’s health sector, aligning with continental calls for innovation and investment in health security.
Continental Recognition
The recognition from Africa CDC is being viewed as both an endorsement of Eswatini’s current reforms and a call to sustain momentum. Health experts in attendance highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, development partners, and local communities in achieving long-term health security.
Eswatini’s Ministry of Health has pledged to continue expanding capacity, digitising operations, and mobilising resources to ensure that its citizens benefit from efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems.
(Courtesy Pic)
