By Mbongeni Ndlela
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Eswatini has reinforced its international drive to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system after Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini held high-level talks with the leadership of The Global Fund at its headquarters in Geneva, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening a partnership that continues to transform the country’s health sector.
Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government and the people of Eswatini, Dlamini expressed heartfelt appreciation for The Global Fund’s continued confidence in the Kingdom through sustained investments that have strengthened healthcare delivery, disease prevention and emergency response systems.
He described the relationship as one built on mutual accountability, shared responsibility and a common vision of improving the lives of emaSwati through quality healthcare.
“The Government regards this partnership as one founded upon the principles of mutual accountability, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to improving public health outcomes,” Dlamini said.
The meeting highlighted how Global Fund support has gone far beyond fighting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria by helping Eswatini modernise critical health infrastructure and prepare for future public health emergencies.
One of the flagship achievements presented during the discussions was the modernisation of the Lubombo Referral Laboratory, which has significantly enhanced the country’s disease surveillance and diagnostic capabilities.
The upgraded laboratory now plays a critical role in detecting and responding to HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other emerging infectious diseases, giving health authorities stronger capacity to protect communities and respond quickly to outbreaks.
The PM also pointed to the expansion of Eswatini’s medical oxygen production and distribution systems, describing the investment as a major milestone that has strengthened intensive care services while ensuring a more reliable supply of life-saving medical oxygen across the country’s referral hospitals.
The improvements were particularly significant following lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries experienced shortages of medical oxygen.
Beyond emergency care, Eswatini has also benefited from investments in renewable energy solutions for healthcare facilities, making hospitals and clinics more reliable while reducing operational costs and improving environmental sustainability.
Another notable achievement is the establishment of the National Medical Waste Management Facility, which has strengthened infection prevention measures and improved the safe disposal of hazardous medical waste, protecting both healthcare workers and surrounding communities.
Digital transformation has also emerged as one of the strongest pillars of the partnership.
The PM said investments in modern health information systems, laboratory management platforms and pharmaceutical supply chain technologies have improved transparency, accountability and operational efficiency throughout the healthcare system.
These digital innovations are helping health professionals make faster decisions while ensuring that essential medicines reach patients more efficiently.
During the meeting, Dlamini welcomed The Global Fund’s support in transforming the Central Medical Stores into the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency.
He said the institutional reform would strengthen governance, improve accountability and ensure more efficient management of essential medicines and medical supplies throughout the country.
Looking beyond current achievements, Dlamini also outlined Eswatini’s long-term ambition of becoming a regional medical tourism destination under the country’s Grand Plan for National Transformation.
He said the investments already made through The Global Fund have established a strong foundation for achieving this national vision by improving healthcare infrastructure, strengthening institutions and raising the quality of medical services available within the Kingdom.
The Global Fund leadership praised Eswatini for the remarkable progress achieved over recent years.
Head of Grant Management Mark Edington commended the Kingdom’s success in strengthening its health systems while making significant advances in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
He said Eswatini’s progress positions the country as an example from which many other nations can learn in accelerating public health improvements.
Edington further applauded Eswatini’s commitment to domestic financing for healthcare, noting that the country’s willingness to invest its own resources demonstrates strong national ownership of health programmes.
He also recognised Eswatini as one of the first countries globally to roll out Lenacapavir, a breakthrough HIV prevention and treatment medicine that is expected to play an important role in reducing new infections and improving patient outcomes.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment, Dlamini assured The Global Fund that all investments made through the partnership would continue to be managed responsibly and transparently.
He pledged that infrastructure, equipment and systems established through the partnership would be properly maintained, efficiently utilised and sustainably financed in line with sound public financial management principles.
The PM said strong governance remains central to ensuring that every investment delivers maximum value to the people of Eswatini while strengthening national health security for future generations.
He concluded by thanking The Global Fund for its unwavering support and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership as both sides work towards resilient health systems, universal access to quality healthcare, effective disease control and sustainable national development.
The Geneva meeting reflects Eswatini’s growing international engagement in advancing healthcare reform while positioning the Kingdom as a country committed to innovation, accountability and strategic partnerships that improve the wellbeing of its citizens.
