BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has met with the leadership of The Global Fund at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
During this meeting the PM highlighted Eswatini’s progress in strengthening its health system through strategic investments supported by the global health financing organisation.
According to a statement shared on the Government of Eswatini’s official Facebook page, the meeting provided an opportunity for the Kingdom to reaffirm its partnership with The Global Fund and express appreciation for the organisation’s continued support towards improving healthcare delivery and building resilience against public health emergencies.
The Prime Minister, representing His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government and the people of Eswatini, conveyed gratitude for The Global Fund’s confidence in the country and its sustained investment in strengthening national health systems.
According to the statement, discussions reflected on the impact of The Global Fund’s investments, including support provided through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and other strategic interventions aimed at enhancing Eswatini’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.
The investments have contributed to the modernisation of the Lubombo Referral Laboratory, expansion of national medical oxygen production and distribution, installation of renewable energy solutions at health facilities, establishment of the National Medical Waste Management Facility, and the digital transformation of the health sector through improved health information systems, laboratory systems and pharmaceutical supply chain management.
The Government further highlighted The Global Fund’s support in transforming the Central Medical Stores into the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency, a reform expected to strengthen governance, accountability and efficiency in the management of essential medical supplies.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister also used the engagement to share Eswatini’s vision of positioning the country as a medical tourism destination under the Grand Plan for National Transformation.
The PM I’m the statement said the strategic investments made through partnerships such as The Global Fund have created a strong foundation towards achieving this vision by strengthening healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
The statement noted that The Global Fund’s Head of Grant Management, Mark Edington, commended Eswatini for the progress made in strengthening health systems and responding to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
Edington expressed confidence that Eswatini’s health sector reforms and achievements could inspire other countries to accelerate similar transformation efforts.
According to the statement, Eswatini remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with The Global Fund to advance healthcare development and improve the wellbeing of emaSwati.
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