BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has announced that the newly launched Health Excellence Awards will now be held annually as part of a national effort to strengthen quality healthcare delivery and recognise outstanding performers across Eswatini’s health sector.
The announcement was made by Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula during the inaugural 2025 Health Excellence Awards, held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at The George Hotel in Manzini. The ceremony brought together health professionals, partners, programme heads and community health workers for a celebration of dedication, innovation and resilience.
In his keynote address, Minister Matsebula described the moment as “auspicious and momentous”, marking the beginning of a tradition designed to inspire excellence in healthcare.
“Today we gather not only to celebrate resilient excellence in healthcare service delivery, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to building a healthier Eswatini,” he said. “These awards reflect our core values: quality, accountability, innovation and compassion.”
Celebrating Excellence Across the Health System
The awards recognised achievements across eight categories, covering the full spectrum of Eswatini’s healthcare system—from tertiary hospitals to community health motivators. Minister Matsebula emphasised that each award serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to continuous improvement and public trust in the health system.
The categories included:
1. Best Tertiary Hospital
2. Best Regional Hospital
3. Best Health Centre
4. Best Public Health Clinic
5. Best Public Health Programme
6. Best Health Facility Implementing Patient Safety Initiatives
7. Best Health Individual Contributing to Health Outcomes at Facility Level
8. Best Community Health Motivator
Addressing the nominees and winners, the Minister paid tribute to their unwavering dedication.
“Your innovation, resilience and commitment are the backbone of our health sector. You are the reason we celebrate today,” he added.
A Catalyst for Transformation
Minister Matsebula reaffirmed that the Health Excellence Awards are not intended to be a once-off exercise, but rather a catalyst for long-term sector transformation.
“This initiative is designed to promote best practices, encourage healthy competition and share success stories that inspire broader improvements,” he said. “We will be seeing more of such occasions in the future.”
He noted that the Ministry will continue to monitor and evaluate the awards’ impact to ensure they evolve alongside the needs of both healthcare workers and the population they serve.
The Minister also expressed deep gratitude to the ceremony’s lead sponsor and supporting organisations for their commitment to community development and corporate social responsibility.
“Your support has enabled us to raise public awareness and provide meaningful recognition to our healthcare champions. Together, we are amplifying the impact of this initiative and aligning with national goals for sustainable development,” he stated.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination
In closing, Minister Matsebula encouraged all healthcare workers—whether winners or nominees—to remain steadfast in their service to the nation.
“To our healthcare workers: we see you, we value you, and we thank you. To the people of Eswatini: we remain committed to your health and well-being,” he said.
He urged nominees who did not win to take pride in their achievement, noting that being recognised among the country’s best is a meaningful honour in itself.
“Now, it is time to honour and celebrate our champions,” he concluded, signalling the start of the awards presentation.
