BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Health Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula is confident that Eswatini’s health system will improve following the conclusion of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The global health gathering concluded on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with renewed calls for countries to strengthen efforts toward delivering quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services for their citizens.
Successful Mission for Eswatini
Minister Matsebula described Eswatini’s participation at the high-level assembly as a major success, expressing optimism that engagements held during the event would benefit the country’s healthcare system.
He said bilateral meetings with key international partners were expected to yield positive outcomes in the near future and contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Eswatini.
According to the minister, these engagements would help propel the country’s health sector to greater heights through strengthened cooperation and support from global health stakeholders.
Meaningful Participation in Deliberations
The minister further noted that Eswatini played an active role throughout the assembly, participating meaningfully in discussions and contributing to decisions that shape global health priorities.
He said the country’s engagement during various sessions proved pivotal in influencing collective resolutions and decisions adopted during the assembly.
Tedros Calls for Political Commitment
The closing ceremony of WHA79 was marked by remarks from Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who urged member states to translate resolutions into action through stronger political commitment and financial investment.
Dr. Tedros emphasised that even small steps toward strengthening health systems should be recognised as progress, saying the annual assembly exists to help countries steadily move toward sustainable healthcare solutions.
The WHO Director-General also met and took photographs with the Eswatini delegation led by Minister Matsebula following the conclusion of proceedings.
Focus on Affordable Healthcare
The assembly concluded with renewed calls for countries to ensure healthcare systems provide quality and affordable services, amid growing global concern over health financing, disease outbreaks and healthcare accessibility.
WHA79 brought together ministers, policymakers and health experts from across the world to deliberate on key public health issues and agree on strategies aimed at improving global healthcare systems.
