BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MATSAPHA – End Malaria Fund officially handed over first line malaria treatment medication to Central Medical Stores (CMS).
The emergency buffer stock that was donated by the Fund is Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem) and is worth E150 000. The drug is used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria cases. The medication was requested by the National Malaria Programme (NMP)to mitigate the current shortfall while the government awaits its order for the first line malaria treatment referred to as Coartem.
The handover ceremony took place at CMS premises in Matsapha where Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula appreciated the ongoing partnership they have with the End Malaria Fund. Matsebula said the Fund had been instrumental in supporting their battle against malaria through essential resources, advocacy, and their unwavering commitment.
“You are always available at times of need. Thanks to your generous support, we have recently been able to speedily procure vital antimalarial treatment, Artemether-Lumefantrine, which is used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. This is a drug that the Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Health, has ordered but we are still waiting for the stock to be delivered. It also comes at a time when we have just received enough rains which could result in an increase in malaria cases,” the Minister said.
While making his speech, Matsebula shared that the replenishment would empower their clinicians to continue providing immediate and effective treatment to those in need while preventing unnecessary complications and saving lives.
“Without such timely assistance, our efforts could have been stalled, and the major impact would have been felt by our communities. It is this kind of collaboration that strengthens our national health strategy, and it demonstrates what we can achieve when we join forces for the health and well-being of our people. I want to thank the leadership of the End Malaria Fund for their strategic support and dedication,” Matsebula added.
In addition, Matsebula spoke highly of the progress they have made in their fight against Malaria as he said they were on the right path to their malaria-free nation goal.
“The country has made significant progress in its malaria elimination efforts. During the 2023-2024 season, there were 482 confirmed cases of malaria. Of these, 223 were imported cases, while 275 were indigenous cases. In the current season, 2024-2025, the program has recorded only 21 cases over the past four months (July-October 2024). This represents a substantial reduction compared to the previous year when the program recorded a total of 144 cases,” he revealed.
End Malaria Fund Chairperson Thandile Nxumalo expressed her gratitude for the commitment shown by the minister to the health care in the country.
“Our mandate as the Fund is to ensure the mitigation of resource gaps that may hinder the performance of the Malaria Programme tasked with attaining malaria elimination and it is crucial for us to remain prepared at the onset of the malaria season. We also acknowledge and extend our gratitude to the supplier for taking into consideration our plea which resulted in the delivery of these drugs within a week of placing the order,” Nxumalo said.
Central Medical Stores Director Thembi Gama thanked the Fund for the donation, stating that the drug was key and would significantly enhance their capacity to promptly and precisely diagnose malaria across the country.
Malaria Youth Army Chairperson Professor Shabangu said they would be working with existing youth leaders across the country and will champion youth engagement for malaria elimination including leading efforts to identify youth structures and initiatives appropriate for malaria.
