BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– The Ministry of Health has announced that Eswatini will commemorate Africa Vaccination Week on 06 May 2026 at Nkomiyahlaba Inkhundla, Ngcayini Umphakatsi in the Manzini region, with a broad package of health services aimed at reaching underserved communities.
The announcement was made during the launch of the National Immunization Strategy, the Social and Behaviour Change Strategy, and the Effective Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Standard Operating Procedures. Principal Secretary Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, representing Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, said the country remains committed to closing immunisation gaps and improving vaccine delivery.
“In light of these developments, the country will commemorate Africa Vaccination Week on the 6th of May 2026, in the Manzini region, Nkomiyahlaba Inkhundla, Ngcayini Umphakatsi. As we move forward, let us commit to reaching every child and every eligible individual, strengthening community engagement and trust, ensuring quality and safety in vaccine delivery, and using data to guide our decisions and improve performance,” Mabuza said.
This year’s commemoration will go beyond vaccination services, offering Eswatini residents an opportunity to know their health status through blood pressure and diabetes screening. Health officials say the outreach will support early detection of non communicable diseases while also expanding access to essential services.
Services on the day will include immunization, HPV vaccination, HIV and TB screening, blood pressure and diabetes checks, deworming, and other primary health care services.
Expanded Programme on Immunization manager Xolisiwe Dlamini noted that despite progress made in immunisation coverage, access gaps remain due to under immunised populations linked to access challenges and social behaviour patterns.
The Ministry of Health says the outreach model is part of efforts to bring services closer to communities that are often left behind, ensuring equitable access to preventive health care.
During the World Health Day commemoration, Minister Mduduzi Matsebula encouraged citizens to take responsibility for their health through regular medical check ups, adherence to treatment, and preventive care.
“For Every generation, Vaccines work,” remains the guiding message for this year’s campaign, alongside the slogan “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities.”
Health officials say the Manzini outreach reflects a stronger focus on community based delivery, improved trust in vaccines, and wider public awareness on disease prevention.
