BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI – The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) have strengthened regional collaboration in health research, training and knowledge exchange through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement was signed during the ongoing 16th Best Practices Forum and 32nd Directors Joint Consultative Committee (DJCC) Meeting held at the George Hotel in Manzini. The partnership creates a platform for the two institutions to work together in advancing public health research, capacity building, consultancy services and the sharing of expertise to strengthen health systems in Eswatini and the wider ECSA region.
ECSA-HC Director General Dr. Ntuli A. Kapologwe described the partnership as a strategic move towards utilising institutions within the region to address health priorities through collaboration. “Being an academician, I know the importance of having partnerships with universities. But I’m also a researcher as well, health systems research” said Dr. Kapologwe. He said the collaboration presents an opportunity to promote health systems research and allow experts from both institutions to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Dr. Kapologwe, who has conducted health systems research for over 20 years, highlighted the potential for UNESWA faculty members to contribute through consultancy services, noting that their expertise can support ECSA-HC’s work. “We would really love the University of Eswatini to be providing consultancy services. I can see most of the faculty members are young, so that’s an opportunity for us to utilise their brains in terms of provision of consultancy services” he said.
UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice M. Thwala described the signing as a defining moment that bridges regional health coordination with academic excellence. “Today, I believe we are bridging regional health coordination with academic rigor, creating a sustained framework for institutional collaboration that will elevate public health research, training, and diplomacy for Eswatini and the wider region” said Professor Thwala.
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment towards an Africa where scientific evidence informs policy, local research responds to regional priorities, and students and academics have opportunities to exchange knowledge. “ UNESWA and ECSA-HC are establishing a powerful synergy that will turn academic knowledge into life-saving practice” he said.
Professor Thwala highlighted that the partnership is strengthened by the complementary mandates of the two institutions, with UNESWA contributing through education, research, innovation and community engagement, while ECSA-HC advances regional health cooperation, capacity building and policy development.
The MoU is expected to open new opportunities for research collaboration, skills development and the strengthening of health systems, contributing towards improved health outcomes across the region.
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