BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – If there were any doubts about Eswatini’s readiness to eliminate malaria, they were buried beneath a weekend of knowledge-sharing, strategic planning, and passionate discussions led by top healthcare minds.
The National Malaria Programme, under the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the World Health Organization, hosted an intensive three-day workshop at The George Hotel in Manzini.
The event, which brought together 50 medical doctors from across the country, was more than just a refresher course, it was a declaration of national intent.
Senior Programme Officer Mbongiseni Mathobela delivered multiple presentations, including one on mefloquine treatment guidelines, breaking down dosage protocols, absorption factors, and post-travel management. “It’s not just about treating patients,” he said. “It’s about giving doctors the confidence and competence to make smart, fast decisions that save lives.”
Dr Amahle Masuku, one of the young doctors in attendance, said she was walking away from the workshop with new purpose.
“I feel more prepared, more informed, and more empowered to make an impact in my community,” she said.
Dr Siyabonga Gina echoed her sentiments, highlighting how crucial the training was.
“This was a much-needed intervention. Malaria is preventable and treatable, we just need the right skills and tools. Now we have both,” he said.
The doctors were trained on a wide range of topics, from recognising early symptoms of severe malaria to deploying the right antimalarial treatments based on WHO protocols.
The training emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, correct dosage, and continued surveillance, especially during high-risk months.
While the medical jargon was heavy, the mission was simple: eliminate malaria by 2028. This follows earlier training sessions hosted for nurses and other healthcare workers, forming part of a national malaria elimination strategy.
As the workshop drew to a close on Sunday, one thing was clear: Eswatini’s medical professionals are not just ready to treat malaria, they’re ready to defeat it.
