BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE- The National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) held an engagement meeting today, 7 August, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane to introduce the upcoming HIV Prevention Indaba. The meeting brought together key players in Eswatini’s HIV response to discuss how the Indaba will help shape a more inclusive and effective approach to preventing new HIV infections.
The HIV Prevention Indaba, expected to take place soon, aims to support the country’s goal of reaching zero new HIV infections by 2030. NERCHA believes the Indaba will be a turning point in how HIV prevention services are designed, delivered, and sustained in the country.
NERCHA’s National Executive Director, Dr. Nondumiso Ncube, told stakeholders,“This Indaba is not just another meeting, but a national platform for all of us to listen. Listen to the lived experiences, the voices, and priorities of those most affected by HIV, including adolescent girls and young women, key populations, people living with disabilities, public transport workers, and others who are often left at the margins of health programming.”
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed strong support for the initiative and highlighted the need for HIV prevention efforts to be community-informed and evidence-based. They emphasized the importance of hearing from all groups, especially young people and those most at risk.
The Indaba will create space for open dialogue and shared learning between government, communities, and partners. The goal is to ensure that future HIV prevention efforts reflect the realities and needs of all people in Eswatini.
Today’s meeting in Mbabane served as a key step towards the upcoming HIV Prevention Indaba. NERCHA and stakeholders are united in their mission to make Eswatini free of new HIV infections by 2030, through inclusive and informed prevention strategies.
(Courtesy Pics)
