BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- Eswatini observed World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula reminded the nation that the fight against HIV/AIDS is sustained by resilience, innovation, and human dedication.
The Minister was speaking on Monday, 1 December 2025 during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Hhukwini. The event was organised by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA).
“Today, we honour the unwavering commitment of our healthcare workers, communities, and families, whose tireless efforts have kept the national response alive,” Minister Matsebula said. “The baton has never been dropped since the beginning of the national response.”
He reflected on Eswatini’s remarkable achievements, noting, “We were among the first countries in the world to achieve and surpass the 95–95–95 targets, demonstrating that epidemic control is possible even in a high-burden context. We have ensured universal access to HIV testing and treatment, and today our treatment coverage among adults ranks among the highest globally.”
The Minister highlighted key prevention programs, including expanded access to PrEP, elimination of mother-to-child transmission, and differentiated service delivery models that put people at the centre of care. “Our health sector continues to innovate and strengthen systems, from laboratory services and data management to supply chains. These efforts ensure a resilient and responsive health system,” he said.
Hon Mduduzi Matsebula acknowledged ongoing challenges, especially among adolescent girls, young women, and other vulnerable groups, stressing, “New infections in these populations remind us that prevention efforts must be intensified, modernised, and tailored to meet the realities of those most at risk.” He also highlighted the launch of a new HIV prevention tool as a demonstration of the sector’s commitment to innovation.
“Communities lead the way in early testing, adherence, support, and stigma reduction. Their resilience ensures that no one, in any corner of our country, is left behind,” he added.
He concluded with a call for continued dedication, innovation, and investment in the health workforce. “Sustaining our gains will require more resilience, innovation, and continued commitment from all of us,” Minister Matsebula said, reaffirming Eswatini’s determination to transform the HIV/AIDS response despite ongoing challenges.
#WorldAIDSDay #ResilientHealth #HIVPrevention #EswatiniHealth
(Courtesy Pic)
