BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – On Wednesday morning (13 November, 2024) the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) held this year’s Candlelighting Ceremony at their offices.
The Candlelighting Ceremony is an annual global commemoration of World AIDS Day in remembrance of people who died from AIDS and renew commitment to fight the pandemic, stigma and discrimination among those infected and affected by it.
The brief ceremony was attended by Minister of ICT Savanna Maziya, PSHARC Director Sandile Mweli, ICT employees and journalists from different media houses in the country. This year’s commemoration runs under the theme, “Nkwe! Eswatini Taking the Rights Path to End AIDS.”
Before lighting the candle, the Minister first started with mentioning that she understood the impact caused by HIV in families. While unpacking this year’s theme, Maziya said it captured their unwavering commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by upholding human rights, empowering communities, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of circumstance, has access to compassionate and effective care.
“This candle lighting ceremony is both a tribute to those we have lost and a beacon of hope, symbolising the strides we continue to make towards a healthier, more equitable Eswatini.
While we celebrate the progress in our battle against HIV/AIDS, we are also reminded of the deeply troubling scourge of gender-based violence, which affects far too many lives across our country. This violence, particularly directed toward women and young girls, exacerbates the vulnerability to HIV infection, creating additional challenges to our mission,” the Minister said.
In addition, Maziya made it clear that it was their collective duty to address gender-based violence with urgency, to champion the rights and dignity of every individual, and to establish environments that foster safety and equality.
“By taking a stand against such violence, we not only protect our communities but also strengthen our efforts to end AIDS,” she added.
The Minister also acknowledged the critical role of PSHARC in prioritising the wellness of government employees.
“Their work is essential in creating a culture of care within our public sector, ensuring that our employees are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally. This emphasis on wellness strengthens our workforce, providing those who serve the nation with the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. PSHARC’s initiatives demonstrate the vital role that comprehensive support systems play in fostering a resilient society, especially as we advance towards our collective health goals,” she elaborated.
Moreover, Maziya disclosed that as a nation, Eswatini had made commendable progress in reducing new HIV infections. She said this was made possible through the concerted efforts of healthcare workers, community leaders, and advocacy groups.
She said the dedication to prevention and treatment has fostered a decline in new infections, while mentioning that the journey was far from over. She encouraged the nation to stay resolute, adapting and expanding its approach to achieve the vision of an AIDS-free Eswatini.
“The Ministry of ICT is proud to contribute to this mission by championing healthcare innovations that improve accessibility, efficiency, and reach. Technology offers us an unprecedented opportunity to bring healthcare directly into people’s hands, making it possible for individuals living with HIV to access vital services and support.
Our recent Code for Care Competition exemplifies this vision. This initiative invited young people across Eswatini to develop solutions that address pressing healthcare challenges, especially those affecting young girls. By engaging youth in this way, we are empowering the next generation to use their creativity and skills to create meaningful, sustainable change in our healthcare landscape,” she added.
The Minister added that the government’s Government in Your Hand program is another cornerstone of this mission, aimed at transforming public services, including health services, by leveraging digital infrastructure. This program seeks to revolutionise how citizens interact with health services, enabling people living with HIV to receive efficient, confidential, and timely care. Furthermore, Government in Your Hand supports prevention efforts by making educational resources readily available, raising awareness, and promoting informed choices to prevent new infections.
“As we light these candles, let each flame remind us of our commitment to a brighter future, one where AIDS no longer poses a threat to the lives of our people. Let us continue forward, united in purpose and unyielding in our resolve to protect the rights and health of every citizen in Eswatini. Together, we will end AIDS. Together, we will build a future defined by compassion, progress, and enduring hope,” the minister concluded.
PSHARC Director Sandile Mweli said they were committed to educating on the importance of wellness of government employees. He encouraged employees to look after their health and love themselves as that would impact their service delivery positively.
