BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to fill 408 more vacancies across various cadres, including 123 support staff positions and 104 nursing roles.
According to the Ministry’s 2025/26 Second Quarter (July to September) Performance Report, pharmacy services are also set to expand, with 15 pharmacist and 37 pharmacy technician positions approved and expected to be filled by October 2025.
“These appointments reflect our continued commitment to ensuring that every health facility in Eswatini is adequately staffed and capable of providing efficient, quality healthcare,” the Ministry noted in the report. “We are strategically strengthening the workforce to meet the country’s evolving health needs.”
The report also highlights progress in addressing staff shortages across Eswatini’s health sector, with over 90 positions filled and dozens of health professionals promoted to strengthen service delivery nationwide. This major recruitment and promotion drive forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to implement the Human Resources for Health (HRH) Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to build a resilient, well-distributed, and motivated health workforce.
According to the Ministry’s latest Human Resource report, a total of 92 positions were targeted for recruitment during the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, following authority waivers granted earlier in the year. Of these, 90.9 percent were successfully implemented, including internal promotions and new external recruitments.
Notably, the nursing cadre benefited most, with 44 positions filled — 23 through promotions and 21 through new appointments — while 17 more are awaiting clearance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The report notes that key nursing positions such as matrons, nursing sisters, staff nurses, and nursing assistants have been prioritised to ensure continuity of quality care in health facilities.
The Ministry’s recruitment efforts have also focused on improving service stability in specialised areas. At the Renal Dialysis Unit, following its handover from Fresenius, staffing was stabilised through the secondment of personnel, recruitment of nephrology nurses, and the conversion of 12 nurses to permanent and pensionable status. Additionally, two senior nurses over the age of 50 were retained on five-year contracts to maintain service continuity and mentor younger staff.
In addition to recruitment, the Ministry has made significant strides in compensation and confirmation of staff. A total of 57 newly appointed officers received basic salaries, 33 were paid housing allowance arrears, and 20 received acting allowances. Furthermore, 90 officers were confirmed into the permanent establishment, while 13 received promotion arrears — a move that boosts morale and recognises service excellence.
While the Ministry celebrates these gains, it acknowledges ongoing challenges such as recruitment delays caused by centralised approval processes, high vacancy rates in certain cadres, and the suspension of some officers with pay. These challenges, the Ministry notes, temporarily strain existing staff and increase overtime costs in critical units such as laboratories and pharmacies.
Human resource development remains another key priority. During the quarter, 90 newly employed nurses completed induction training, while 15 officers pursued advanced studies in fields such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiology, Anaesthesiology, and International Public Health. The Ministry also finalised a training curriculum for facility managers to enhance leadership and efficiency at all levels of the health system.
Health worker welfare continues to be a focus area under the National Health Sector Strategic Plan. Between July and September, debriefing sessions and psychological care were provided to 84 healthcare workers, while 10 men’s health dialogues and a national health sports day attracted participation from hundreds of professionals. However, the Ministry has expressed concern that the contracts of psychologists who provided these services — previously funded through partner support — have ended, potentially affecting wellness initiatives going forward.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to advocate for authority to fill remaining vacancies, particularly in nursing, environmental health, and laboratory services. It also aims to renew contracts for 260 officers previously supported by USAID, with a new partner, RISE, committed to sustaining their positions.
Despite resource constraints and external shocks, the Ministry’s Human Resource Unit remains optimistic.
“Our goal is to build a strong, motivated, and well-trained workforce that can deliver quality healthcare to all emaSwati,” the Ministry stated. “These recent recruitments, promotions, and training initiatives are steps in the right direction toward a healthier, more resilient Eswatini.”
AT A GLANCE: MINISTRY OF HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE UPDATE (Q2 2025/26)
Vacancies Proposed:
- 408 positions to be filled across various cadres
- 123 Support Staff (including 82 Orderlies)
- 104 Nursing Roles (40 Nursing Assistants, 24 Staff Nurses)
- 15 Pharmacists
- 37 Pharmacy Technicians
Recruitment Progress:
- 92 positions targeted this quarter
- 90.9% implementation rate achieved
- 44 nursing positions filled (23 promotions, 21 new recruits)
- 17 nursing appointments awaiting Civil Service Commission clearance
Promotions & Confirmations:
- 90 officers confirmed into permanent establishment
- 13 officers received promotion arrears
- 57 officers received first salaries
- 33 officers paid housing allowances
Training & Development:
- 90 new nurses completed induction
- 15 officers in long-term studies (including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals)
- New facility managers’ training curriculum finalised
Wellness & Support:
- 84 health workers received psychological care and debriefing
- 10 men’s health dialogues conducted
- 890 staff participated in National Health Sports Day
Looking Ahead:
- Renew 260 health officer contracts through new RISE partnership
- Continue to advocate for authority to fill critical posts
- Maintain momentum in building a strong, motivated, and well-trained health workforce
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Courtesy Pic)
