BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Emaswati have been urged to embrace Agape Love and place people first in the fight against stigma and discrimination, as the Kingdom of Eswatini joined the world in commemorating Zero Discrimination Day on March 1, 2026.
In a joint statement, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, through the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS country office reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a society free from stigma and discrimination under the global theme “People First.”
The statement highlighted that Zero Discrimination Day is a time to celebrate the right of every person to live a full, productive and dignified life, while also serving as a powerful reminder that discrimination remains one of the greatest barriers to health, equality and human rights.
While Eswatini has made progress in advancing equality and inclusion, the partners acknowledged that sustained and collective action is still required to eliminate discrimination in all its forms. Persistent stigma, particularly against people living with and at risk of HIV, continues to undermine access to quality health services, violate human rights and slow progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
UNAIDS noted that discrimination creates fear and exclusion, discouraging individuals from seeking health services and support. The statement therefore called on all sectors of society to listen to the voices of people living with and affected by HIV, to act on evidence, and to ensure that no one feels “less than” because of their HIV status. It further stressed that health systems must be spaces of trust, dignity and compassionate, non-discriminatory care.
The “People First” theme calls on nations to place human dignity, equality and inclusion at the centre of development, health and social justice. In Eswatini, this message strongly resonates with His Majesty King Mswati III’s call for the nation to demonstrate Agape Love a selfless and unconditional love that rejects stigma and discrimination in all its forms.
Placing people first, the statement explained, means ensuring that every Liswati, regardless of age, gender, health status, disability or social standing, is treated with respect and fairness. It also means creating safe and supportive environments in families, schools, workplaces, health facilities and communities, where individuals can seek services without fear of judgement or exclusion.
On Zero Discrimination Day, Emaswati were urged to practice Agape Love in their daily lives by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Community leaders and institutions were called upon to challenge stigma wherever it appears and to promote people-first approaches in health, education, workplaces and public life.
Healthcare workers were encouraged to uphold the highest standards of non-discriminatory and compassionate care, while young people were urged to champion equality and stand up for peers who face stigma and discrimination.
The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS, together with the UNAIDS country office, reaffirmed that every person counts and that collective action remains critical.
With “People First” as the global call and Agape Love as the national guiding principle, the partners reaffirmed their shared vision of an Eswatini where every individual is valued, protected and empowered.
Together, by putting people first, Eswatini can accelerate progress towards ending AIDS and build a just, equitable and discrimination-free society.
