BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MANZINI – Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital has received a significant boost in its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure following the donation of essential WASH equipment worth approximately E20 000 through the Ministry of Health.
RFM Hospital is under Eswatini Nazarene Health Institutions (ENHI), which is a faith-based institution established in 1926 and over the years, has grown into one of the country’s largest non-profit healthcare institutions, currently contributing approximately 40 per cent of healthcare services nationwide. Through the RFM Hospital – a 350-bed regional referral and teaching hospital – and a network of 20 community health clinics across all four regions of Eswatini, ENHI collectively serves over 500 000 people annually.
The equipment was generously donated by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with funding support from the Government of Japan, reflecting continued collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient care in Eswatini.
The donation, which came at a critical time when healthcare institutions continue prioritizing infection prevention, hygiene standards and safe healthcare environments for both patients and healthcare workers, was handed over by officials from the Ministry of Health; Thulasizwe Sifundza and Isabel Gamedze.
Sifundza said improved WASH infrastructure remains one of the key pillars in preventing healthcare-associated infections and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. He said the donation follows an assessment that was conducted at the hospital, where it was found that there is a gap in as far as WASH is concerned.
Eswatini Nazarene Health Institutions (ENHI) management, which was represented by Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mbuso Sihlongonyane, welcomed the support, describing it as an important contribution towards strengthening patient safety and improving service delivery at the institution.
He said access to proper sanitation and effective hygiene systems is essential in any healthcare setting. He added that beyond supporting daily hospital operations, WASH infrastructure plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable patients, reducing the spread of infections and promoting dignity within healthcare facilities.
“The donation is also expected to strengthen Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures at the hospital, ensuring healthcare workers continue delivering services within safer and cleaner clinical environments,” Dr Sihlongonyane said.
It is worth noting that healthcare experts continue to emphasize that strong WASH systems are directly linked to improved patient outcomes, reduced infection risks and better public health. In hospitals, proper hygiene practices can often mean the difference between recovery and complications.
Therefore, the support from UNICEF and the Government of Japan represents more than just equipment; it is an investment in safer healthcare, healthier communities and stronger health systems for the people of Eswatini.
As one of the country’s leading healthcare institutions, RFM Hospital remains committed to continuously improving patient-centred healthcare services and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and compassionate care.
