BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– The United States and the Kingdom of Eswatini are deepening a multi-billion-emalangeni health partnership that will strengthen the country’s healthcare system, protect communities from future disease outbreaks and build a more resilient health sector for generations to come.
The long-term collaboration was highlighted during the 16th East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) Best Practices Forum held at The George Hotel in Manzini, where health leaders from across the region gathered to share successful healthcare solutions and strengthen regional cooperation.
Speaking during the forum, Kristine Clark, Team Lead for the Office of Foreign Assistance at the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini, said the partnership demonstrates the United States’ continued confidence in Eswatini’s healthcare achievements and its commitment to supporting the country’s next phase of health sector development.
Clark revealed that the two countries signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding in December 2025 worth between E3.48 billion and E4 billion, including a US$205 million contribution from the United States Government.
The agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2030, introduces a co-investment approach that promotes shared responsibility, accountability and increased national ownership of healthcare programmes, positioning Eswatini to sustain its health gains well into the future.
“The United States is proud to continue deepening this partnership between our two governments,” Clark said.
The investment will support critical health priorities, including expanding HIV prevention, treatment and care services, strengthening tuberculosis control programmes, improving health information systems, enhancing laboratory detection capacity and reinforcing disease surveillance across the country.
Clark applauded Eswatini for becoming a global leader in the fight against HIV, saying the country’s achievements were the result of years of committed leadership by government, healthcare professionals, researchers, communities, civil society organisations and development partners working together.
“The United States recognises the enormous progress Eswatini has made, particularly as the global leader in the HIV response,” she said.
She stressed that stronger disease surveillance systems are becoming increasingly important as countries prepare for future health threats.
“Health security depends on the ability to detect threats early, respond quickly, and prevent outbreaks from becoming national, regional, or global crises,” Clark said.
Clark also highlighted the growing role of innovation in transforming healthcare, pointing to scientific breakthroughs such as Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medicine.
She said innovation extends beyond medicines to include smarter health systems capable of collecting, analysing and using data to support faster and more effective decision-making.
“Throughout the forthcoming donor transitions across the region, we must not forget to use data for action — not data for reporting alone, but data that helps us analyse information faster, detect risks sooner, strengthen planning and improve decision-making,” she said.
Clark further encouraged countries to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in ways that strengthen healthcare delivery while maintaining ethical standards.
“AI will not replace the leadership of health workers, policymakers, or communities. But used responsibly and ethically, it can help strengthen the systems they depend on,” she said.
She emphasised that long-term sustainability must remain central to all international health partnerships, with countries steadily increasing domestic investment and national ownership to preserve healthcare achievements.
The ECSA-HC Best Practices Forum brought together ministers of health, policymakers, researchers, innovators and development partners from across East, Central and Southern Africa to exchange knowledge, showcase successful health interventions and develop practical strategies for stronger regional health systems.
The continued collaboration between Eswatini and the United States reflects a partnership built on mutual trust, shared responsibility and a common commitment to improving public health. Through sustained investment, innovation and stronger health systems, the partnership is expected to help safeguard the health and well-being of emaSwati while preparing the country to respond more effectively to future public health challenges.
