BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has stepped up the fight against HIV, commemorating World AIDS Day 2025 with a candlelight ceremony at HMCS Headquarters, Mbabane, on November 25, 2025, ahead of the national event to be held at Hhukwini on December 1, 2025.
The commemoration, held under the theme “Corrections Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response,” began with a public awareness march from EBIS to the HMCS Headquarters, bringing together officers, partners, and community members to promote HIV prevention, testing, and care.
The candle-lighting was led by HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, Under Secretary (Administration) in the ministry of Health Rev. Anthony Masilela, NERCHA National Executive Director Dr. Nondumiso Nqube, UNAIDS Country Director Nuha Ceesay, other distinguished guests, Inmates and officers.
The ceremony honoured those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and highlighted the importance of strengthening HIV education and healthcare services in correctional facilities and communities.
The Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini praised the strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health, emphasising the joint efforts to ensure inmates and Correctional Services Officers receive the health care they need.
Representing the Minister of Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, Rev. Anthony Masilela commended HMCS for its leadership in integrating health, rehabilitation, human rights, and dignity within correctional facilities. “Today, we honour those we have lost, stand in solidarity with those living with HIV, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, including every person entrusted to HMCS care,” he said.
HMCS has expanded HIV testing, treatment initiation, and adherence support, strengthened integrated TB, mental health, and non-communicable disease services, and ensured continuity of care for inmates entering, transitioning, or leaving facilities. Collaboration with the ministry of Health, NERCHA, UNAIDS, and other partners has been central to these achievements.
These efforts contributed to Eswatini reaching the 95-95-95 global HIV targets a decade ahead of schedule: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on lifelong antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
“The progress we have made is a national victory and a global example of excellence,” Rev. Masilela said, urging continued focus on sustaining gains, overcoming disruptions, and transforming the HIV response through innovation and collaboration.
Looking ahead, initiatives will focus on peer-led programs, confidential and stigma-free care, mental health support, substance-use interventions, and the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP.
“Health is a human right; dignity is a human right; care is a human obligation,” he stressed. “Being in a correctional environment does not diminish these rights.”
The HMCS World AIDS Day 2025 commemoration highlighted the organisation’s leadership in Eswatini’s HIV response, saving lives and upholding human dignity.
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