BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene continue to stand at the heart of child wellbeing in Eswatini, as government and development partners renewed their commitment to ensuring that every child has access to essential services that support healthy growth and development.
This was the central message at the official launch of Children’s Month 2026, held at the UN House in Mbabane on June 4, where stakeholders gathered under the theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Eswatini.”
The event brought together government officials, development partners, traditional leaders, educators and children to reflect on progress made and the work still required to achieve universal access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services across the country.
Representing Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Principal Secretary in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office Siboniso Nkambule delivered the official remarks, calling for sustained collaboration across all sectors to ensure that no child is left behind.
In her message, Dladla emphasized that access to water, sanitation and hygiene is fundamental to the dignity, health and future of every child.
“This month is not only a celebration of children, but also a call to action to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, enjoys the basic services that safeguard their future,” read Nkambule on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister.
She highlighted ongoing government interventions aimed at strengthening WASH services, including the expansion of rural water supply infrastructure, the rollout of School WASH programmes, and improvements in sanitation standards within health facilities.
While acknowledging progress, she noted that disparities still exist, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.
“Universal access entails that no child is left behind – not the child in the remote Lubombo mountains, not the child in informal settlements, not the child with a disability, not the orphan, and not the most vulnerable among us,” she said.
During the event, UN Resident Coordinator for Eswatini George Wachira emphasized that children’s wellbeing extends far beyond access to water and sanitation alone.
He reminded stakeholders that children require a holistic approach that includes education, healthcare, protection, and other rights essential for their full development and long-term success.
Wachira stressed that investing in children means investing in multiple interconnected systems that support their survival, growth and potential.
His remarks reinforced calls for stronger coordination among sectors to ensure that children’s rights are fully realized in practice, not only in policy.
Adding his voice, Senator Chief Prince Mphatfwa expressed concern over the continued reliance on rivers as a primary water source in some communities.
He said he was deeply moved by the reality that some citizens are still forced to fetch water from rivers, describing it as a situation that requires urgent attention from government and relevant stakeholders.
The Senator emphasized that access to clean and safe water should not be a privilege but a basic right enjoyed by all emaSwati, particularly children who are most vulnerable to the effects of unsafe water sources.
Throughout the launch, speakers underscored the importance of accelerating efforts to improve access to water infrastructure, strengthen sanitation systems, and promote good hygiene practices at household and community level.
They noted that while progress has been made, sustained investment and community participation remain key to achieving universal access.
The event concluded with a renewed national commitment to advancing child rights and improving access to essential services that support children’s wellbeing across Eswatini.
As Children’s Month 2026 begins, stakeholders are united in their call for collective action to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.
The message was clear: securing access to water, sanitation and hygiene is not only a development goal, but a foundation for the dignity, health and future of every child in the Kingdom.
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(Courtesy Pic)
