BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE – MTN Eswatini has invested E2.2 million into its 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, significantly expanding healthcare access to remote communities while strengthening the country’s blood donation infrastructure through strategic partnerships.
The telecommunications giant wrapped up its annual campaign and blood donation drive with a closing ceremony that highlighted the impact of collective action in improving healthcare services across Eswatini.
Speaking at the event, MTN Eswatini Acting Chief Executive Officer Jerry Soko said the success of this year’s initiative was made possible through strong collaboration between corporate partners, healthcare institutions and community stakeholders.
Soko said the campaign demonstrated the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring that essential services reach even the most underserved communities.
“The impact we have achieved this year has been made possible because various partners came together with one common goal of improving the health and wellbeing of emaSwati,” he said.
Under the theme of equitable healthcare access, the 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign saw MTN and its partners travel across various regions of the country, delivering healthcare services, awareness programmes and digital health solutions designed to transform healthcare delivery.
One of the campaign’s key pillars was the national blood donation drive conducted in partnership with the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service.
The initiative reached nine locations across the country, educating communities about the importance of blood donation while collecting critical blood supplies needed by hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Soko described the blood donation campaign as a powerful reminder that saving lives requires collective effort.
“Impact is never achieved alone; it is built through collaboration,” he said.
The campaign attracted support from several organisations that contributed financially and through advocacy efforts aimed at increasing public participation.
Eswatini TV partnered with MTN to raise awareness and mobilise citizens to take part in the blood donation campaign, while Magagula Hlophe Attorneys supported the initiative through financial contributions and advocacy.
Together, the partners contributed E300 000 towards enhancing the country’s blood bank infrastructure.
MTN contributed E150 000, while 8Bet donated E100 000. Eswatini TV added E30 000 and Magagula Hlophe Attorneys contributed E20 000.
The funds were used to acquire critical equipment aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening the Blood Bank’s emergency response capabilities.
As part of the handover, stakeholders donated eight blood donation beds, two donation gazebos and 500 T-shirts for blood donation champions.
Soko said the donated equipment would enhance the Blood Bank’s ability to respond effectively during emergencies and help ensure the continued availability of lifesaving blood supplies for patients in need.
“This is what it means to be a digital life partner — not only connecting people, but caring for life itself,” he said.
He further noted that MTN’s partnership with healthcare institutions demonstrates how private sector investment can strengthen national healthcare systems while bringing hope to communities.
Beyond healthcare support, the campaign also focused on promoting digital health solutions that have the potential to transform healthcare delivery across Eswatini.
Soko said the innovations introduced through the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign could create employment opportunities, improve healthcare services and stimulate economic growth, particularly among young people.
According to him, digital transformation within the healthcare sector can help bridge service gaps, improve access to information and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He called on stakeholders to continue working together to address healthcare challenges facing the nation.
“When we collaborate, we do not just make a difference; we save lives,” he said.
Soko also encouraged emaSwati to continue donating blood, describing blood donation as one of the simplest yet most powerful ways of giving hope and saving lives.
As the 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign comes to an end, its legacy remains evident in the communities reached, the lives touched and the partnerships forged. The campaign concluded with renewed calls for greater collaboration to ensure that healthcare development remains inclusive and that no community is left behind.
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