BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has raised serious concerns about the environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that failure to address pollution from human, animal, agricultural, and manufacturing waste could undermine Eswatini’s progress in protecting public health.
Representing the Honourable Minister, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Under Secretary Sicelo Nxumalo delivered the message yesterday during the High-Level Policy Makers Meeting held to mark the World Anti-Microbial Awareness Week (WAAW) on 21 November 2025 under the theme “Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
He noted that AMR is no longer solely a health-sector challenge, but a wider environmental threat as resistant microbes thrive in polluted water, soil and food sources. He said the Ministry remains committed to promoting sustainable land use, water resource protection and environmental management practices that reduce AMR risks.
The Under Secretary emphasised the need to fully integrate environmental considerations into national AMR strategies, warning that interventions in the health and agriculture sectors could be undermined if environmental safeguards are not prioritised. “Our shared goal is to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials while protecting the integrity of our natural resources,” he said.
Sicelo Nxumalo commended the progress achieved through the One Health Approach, particularly the three-sector AMR surveillance system supported by the Fleming Fund. The data generated, he said, provides critical insight into how antimicrobial use, resistance patterns and environmental impact intersect helping shape evidence-driven policies.
He further acknowledged the support received from ICAP and the Fleming Fund in strengthening laboratory capacity within the Department of Water Affairs and improving surveillance across all sectors. With the Fleming Fund’s support expected to conclude in December 2025, Nxumalo urged stakeholders to ensure that the gains made continue and remain aligned with Eswatini’s national development priorities.
As he concluded, Nxumalo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the health, agriculture and environment sectors to maintain momentum in the fight against AMR. He called for collective action to protect the country’s citizens, livestock and natural resources. “Let us act now, protect our present and secure our future,” he said.
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