BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The main task for the NERCHA new national executive director is to ensure that Eswatini is free from HIV/AIDS.
Dr Nondumiso Ginindza Ncube was today (Monday, July 8, 2024) told by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini to ensure that Emaswati were no longer worried by HIV/AIDS. The premier said this after she unveiled the new leader of NERCHA. Dr Ncube was appointed at the NERCHA Head Offices in Mbabane.
NERCHA stands for National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS. This organisation has been tasked with the responsibility of leading the country in its fight against HIV/AIDS. Dr Ncube is armed with a PhD in Public Health, Masters in Clinical Epidemiology, Bachelor of Pharmacy Honors, and a Bachelor of Science Degree with Majors in Biology and Chemistry.
Another highlight about the new director is that she is the first woman to lead this organisation. Two leaders who occupied this seat after her were Dr Drek Von Wissell and Khanya Mabuza, who is now the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health. “A woman is now at the helm of one of the most important organisations in the country, I ask you to support her, and I require of her not to disappoint us,” the prime minister said.
On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, Dlamini said they congratulated the NERCHA Board/Council for concluding the recruitment process and ensuring stability in the NERCHA Directorate whilst recruiting for the National Executive Director. He wished Dr. Ncube success in her new role here at NERCHA where she would work with the most experienced and dedicated team.
He told the director that the whole world is watching how Eswatini is doing in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “We would like to see Eswatini free of HIV/AIDS and that is your greatest task. I wish the NERCHA Council success in its efforts of leading a national coordinated HIV and AIDS response,” he said.
The prime minister said when NERCHA was born, the impact of HIV/AIDS had reached alarming levels, resulting in an unprecedented high mortality rate. It was due to the apparent impact of HIV/AIDS that His Majesty the King established the Council to coordinate implementation of the country’s strategy to fight HIV/AIDS.
“After 23 years of His Majesty’s call, we are pleased to note that NERCHA has delivered on the aspirations of halting the spread of HIV infections and reducing AIDS related deaths. We stand proud today of having achieved and turned around the grievous situation that used to stigmatise the Kingdom of Eswatini, and her people,” he said.
He said Eswatini was today one of the first countries to have emerged in the HIV response and achieved the UNAIDS global target of 95:95:95 in record time, before the global target of 2026. For these achievements, the premier congratulated first the Ministry of Health, which provided the framework and guidance in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “I congratulate the leadership, management and staff of NERCHA and the many organisations that were actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This include non-governmental organisations such as World Vision, UNAIDS, PEPFAR, CANGO and many others. We are particularly indebted to the Global Fund and other financiers for financing the programmes to fight against HIV/AIDS,” he said.
The PM paid tribute to the two former leaders of this organisation for having played a role in helping the country fight HIV/AIDS. “We recognize equally, former members of the Council/Board and National Executive Directors such as Dr. Derek Von Wissell, and Mr. Khanya Mabuza for their successful role in making NERCHA what it is today. We also appreciate the role of Mr. Dumsani Kunene who has been Acting Executive Director,” the premier said.
