BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI – The Government of Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat, following the official launch of the national build-up activities for the 2025 World AIDS Day, led by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA).
The launch, held on 30 October 2025, signals a renewed national effort to sustain Eswatini’s progress in the global HIV response.
Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the 2025 theme: “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response.” He noted that despite global and domestic challenges, Eswatini continues to demonstrate resilience and leadership in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
“Even with declining donor funding, rising new infections, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV, Eswatini is moving forward,” said the Minister. “We remain one of the few countries in the world to achieve the 95-95-95 global targets, which reflects strong political will, effective partnerships, and the dedication of our health workers and communities.”
He urged the nation to adopt innovative and sustainable approaches to safeguard progress in the HIV response.
“Sustaining our gains requires us to think and act differently. We must deliver HIV services in ways that are cost-effective, integrated, and inclusive—ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
Minister Matsebula further stressed that World AIDS Day is not merely symbolic, but a moment for renewed commitment and collective action.
“It is more than a commemoration. It is a call to strengthen partnerships, re-energise national efforts, and transform how we prevent, manage, and respond to HIV,” he added.
As the country prepares for the international commemoration on 1 December 2025, the Minister affirmed government’s continued support for a multisectoral response.
“We will continue to champion collaboration across all sectors to secure sustainable health outcomes, ensuring that every liSwati has access to care, treatment, and support,” he concluded.
The launch marks the start of nationwide awareness activities, community dialogues, media campaigns, and stakeholder engagements led by NERCHA, aimed at mobilising society in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
