BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI – Eswatini has taken a decisive step in the fight against cancer, with the OncAura Wellness Centre now capable of treating more than 70 patients per day a breakthrough expected to end the long-standing trend of patients travelling abroad for life-saving care.
Speaking during a media tour on April 21, 2026, Dr Mbongeni Dlamini confirmed that the facility is fully operational and already transforming lives. He pointed to a patient who had just completed a six-month treatment programme and was being discharged as clear evidence that local solutions are working.
“There is no longer a need for EmaSwati to leave the country for cancer treatment. We have the expertise, the technology and the capacity right here,” said Dlamini.
Adding to this, OncAura representative Mandla “Cheeks” Nxumalo said the centre is already making a real impact on the ground, with patients actively receiving and completing treatment.
“As of today, April 21, 2026, we had a patient who was being discharged after completing six months of treatment. This shows that the services are not just available, but they are working,” said Nxumalo.
Nxumalo further highlighted that one of the centre’s biggest strengths is its advanced machinery, including nuclear radiology technology, which allows for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various types of cancer.
“We have invested in very good machines, including nuclear radiology, which helps us detect and treat cancer with precision. This is the same level of technology patients would travel outside the country to access,” he said.
He emphasised that the facility is fully equipped to handle all types of cancer and has already gained the trust of both local and international patients.
“We are seeing patients coming from countries like Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. That alone should give EmaSwati confidence that they can trust this institution. Everything you would go and look for in other countries is now available here at OncAura,” he said.
Strategically located next to Philani Clinic in Manzini, the centre has assembled a highly experienced medical team, including radiologist Dr Dlamini and Chief Operations Officer Lindiwe Fokazi, who brings over three decades of experience across the public and private healthcare sectors, particularly in radiotherapy.
Beyond meeting local demand, the centre is already attracting regional patients a development expected to boost medical tourism and benefit the hospitality sector.
The first phase of the project is set to create about 30 jobs, including nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, contributing to both healthcare delivery and economic growth.
The development comes at a critical time as Eswatini continues to face a heavy cancer burden. Latest global figures show that the country recorded 1 108 new cancer cases and 697 deaths in 2022. Cervical cancer remains the most common among women, while prostate cancer leads among men.
Eswatini has one of the highest cervical cancer rates in the world, largely driven by high HIV prevalence. Women living with HIV are up to six times more likely to develop cervical cancer, with an estimated 95.9 per 100 000 women diagnosed and 64.3 per 100 000 dying from the disease.
Dlamini said OncAura aims to change these statistics over the next five years through early detection, improved access to treatment and sustained awareness campaigns.
In a further push to tackle late diagnosis, the centre has launched a month-long corporate social responsibility campaign offering free breast, cervical and prostate cancer screenings to 300 pensioners nationwide. Valued at E600,000, the initiative is aimed at bringing critical services closer to vulnerable groups.
“Cancer is a silent killer, but early detection saves lives. We are taking services to the people and removing fear around screening,” Dlamini said.
Operating weekdays from 8am to 4pm, the screenings are designed to be quick, simple and patient-friendly, encouraging wider participation, especially among the elderly.
With advanced nuclear radiology technology, the capacity to treat dozens of patients daily, growing regional trust and proven results already emerging, OncAura Wellness Centre is signalling a turning point in Eswatini’s healthcare restoring hope and bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.
#oncAura #cancercare #eswatinihealth #medicaltourism
