BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Eswatini has taken a significant step towards strengthening its healthcare system with the commencement of specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology through the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ECSACOG) in September 2026.
The programme creates new opportunities for local doctors to develop advanced clinical expertise in women’s health while contributing to the country’s efforts to build a resilient and sustainable healthcare workforce.
The Taiwan Medical Mission (TMM) has welcomed the development, reaffirming its commitment to supporting medical education, clinical mentorship and capacity building in Eswatini.
Dr Kae-Yng Ou, Chief of the Taiwan Medical Mission and specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Dr Erastor Ngonyani, ECSACOG Country Representative for Eswatini, ECSACOG Council Member and President of the Association of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Eswatini (AOGE), shared their views on the significance of this milestone.
The introduction of the programme represents an important investment in the country’s medical professionals, providing a pathway for doctors to strengthen their knowledge and clinical competencies in a field essential to the wellbeing of women and families.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialists play a vital role in pregnancy care, childbirth, reproductive health and the management of conditions that require specialised medical attention. Strengthening expertise in this area is therefore important in supporting the delivery of quality healthcare services to women across Eswatini.
Having more locally trained specialists can also help strengthen the continuity of care by developing professionals who understand the needs of the communities they serve. As their experience grows, these doctors can contribute to clinical decision-making, share knowledge with colleagues and support the development of future medical professionals.
Beyond patient care, the programme offers an opportunity to nurture future educators, mentors and leaders who can contribute to strengthening the country’s broader health system. Developing these capabilities locally can help establish a lasting foundation for knowledge-sharing and professional growth within the medical sector.
The collaboration also highlights the value of regional partnerships in advancing healthcare education. Through ECSACOG’s specialist development framework and the Taiwan Medical Mission’s commitment to medical capacity building, Eswatini is creating further opportunities to strengthen its healthcare workforce.
The commencement of the programme reflects a wider commitment to investing in people as a central part of healthcare development. Skilled medical professionals are essential to improving service delivery, responding to changing health needs and ensuring that women and families can access appropriate medical care.
For Eswatini, this milestone is an encouraging step towards strengthening local medical expertise and building a healthcare system better equipped to meet the needs of future generations.
With continued investment in medical education, mentorship and professional development, the country has an opportunity to nurture homegrown expertise that will serve patients, support fellow healthcare workers and contribute to the long-term sustainability of its health services.
