BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— Somntongo Inkhundla Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Ministry of Health Portfolio Committee, Sandile Nxumalo has commended young people for taking an active role in the fight against malaria during the World Malaria Day advocacy engagement.
The two day engagement focused on strengthening leadership, accountability and community participation in the malaria response as the country pushes towards eliminating malaria by 2028.
Nxumalo said it was encouraging to see young people showing commitment in the fight against the disease through the Eswatini Malaria Youth Corps.
“It is quite encouraging to see the Eswatini Malaria Youth Corps dedicating so much towards ending malaria, not only fighting malaria but taking responsibility and doing this for their communities and for themselves,” he said.
The Eswatini Malaria Youth Corps is made up of young people who work closely with communities and community caregivers to spread awareness about malaria, identify challenges faced by communities and encourage prevention efforts.
One of the youth representatives, Tengetile Shongwe from Siphofaneni Inkhundla, described the engagement as insightful and productive. She said the discussions highlighted some of the limitations slowing down the fight against malaria, while also proposing practical solutions that could help the country achieve its 2028 elimination target.
Shongwe further appealed for increased funding towards malaria programmes, saying financial support remained one of the major challenges affecting progress.
She also encouraged young people across the country to follow news and information related to malaria so they could better understand the disease and take part in prevention efforts within their communities.
The engagement brought together Members of Parliament, youth representatives and health stakeholders to discuss ways of accelerating malaria elimination through stronger community involvement and leadership.
(Courtesy Pic)
