By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has announced that government is formulating a sustainability plan to address the issue of declining donor funding in the Ministry of Health.
Speaking on March 4, 2025, during the annual performance debate for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Prime Minister responded to concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Assembly. He assured that government is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Health to tackle this challenge effectively.
The PM revealed that the Ministry of Health has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the overall impact of the funding reductions. This assessment is expected to be presented to the Cabinet urgently. He acknowledged the significant effect of the funding cuts, which stemmed from a decision by the United States of America under the current administration of President Donald Trump to reduce 90 percent of its foreign funding. This decision has resulted in a reduction of approximately US$60 billion (around E1.1 trillion) in aid.
Another critical issue discussed during the debate was the closure of The Luke Commission (TLC). Legislators expressed their desire for the government and the health institution to resolve any differences amicably and expedite the reopening of the hospital, which has been a crucial service provider for many Emaswati. Notably, TLC was among the health institutions receiving support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has also funded numerous Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Eswatini.
The Director of the Coordinating Assembly for Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), Thembinkosi Dlamini, confirmed that several organisations have received notices of funding termination. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning that Eswatini could lose up to 70 percent of the funding it currently receives from USAID.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office has requested a budget allocation of E134.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The House of Assembly is yet to approve this budget request, along with similar requests from other ministries, which are expected to be deliberated upon within the week.
This proactive approach by the government reflects its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of vital health services in the wake of funding challenges, aiming to safeguard the well-being of the nation.
(Featured Image: EBIS News)
