BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MATSAPHA– A donation from MTN Eswatini through its 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign has provided a major boost to Eswatini Hospice at Home’s efforts to restore inpatient palliative care services for vulnerable patients across the country.
The telecommunications company recently handed over a refurbished water system and six hospital beds valued at more than E160 000, an investment expected to improve patient care and help revive much-needed inpatient services at the hospice.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hospice at Home Executive Director Zodwa Gamadze expressed gratitude to MTN Eswatini for choosing to support a project that will have a lasting impact on the lives of patients facing life-limiting illnesses.
“We are aware that many requests were presented to MTN, but they chose to support a project that will touch lives and bring dignity to those in their final stages of life,” said Gamadze.
She noted that while some beneficiaries may never become customers of the company, the support demonstrates a commitment to humanity and compassion beyond business interests.
Gamadze revealed that Eswatini Hospice at Home has been providing palliative care services for the past 36 years in partnership with the Ministry of Health, offering critical support to patients and families navigating serious illnesses.
The organisation currently serves 652 registered clients across the country, while its overall beneficiary reach exceeds 3 600 people.
Despite its impact, Gamadze highlighted significant challenges facing the institution, particularly the lack of inpatient, respite and step-down care services for patients who require specialised support beyond home-based care.
She explained that the MTN donation marks an important first step towards reopening the hospice’s inpatient facility, which will provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients requiring continuous care.
However, she cautioned that staffing remains one of the biggest obstacles to expanding services.
“At present, we have only four nurses serving hundreds of patients across the country, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for palliative care,” she said.
Gamadze also underscored the need for greater investment in palliative healthcare, noting that the increasing burden of chronic and terminal illnesses requires sustained support from both government and private sector partners.
She further called for the adoption of digital health solutions to improve service delivery, patient monitoring and access to care, particularly for patients in remote communities.
According to Gamadze, technology has the potential to bridge healthcare gaps and strengthen palliative care services, ensuring that more patients receive the support they need with dignity and compassion.
The donation forms part of MTN Eswatini’s broader commitment to improving healthcare access through its annual Y’ello Care campaign, which encourages employees and partners to contribute towards meaningful community development initiatives.
For Eswatini Hospice at Home, the investment represents more than infrastructure improvements—it is a renewed opportunity to restore hope, comfort and dignity to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
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