BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – It may look as if Eswatini is now winning in its fight against HIV/AIDS, but the terrible mistake Emaswati can make is to be complacent and think the battle is already won.
It is important for Emaswati to keep being vigilant in the fight against the pandemic until the battle is fully won. This was said by United Nations (UN) Eswatini Resident Coordinator George Wachira. He said this yesterday (Thursday, August 8, 2024) during the launch of the National Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework (NSF) 2024-2028 at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini.
Wachira said there are still areas of importance that Eswatini needed to focus, if it wants to fully win this fight. “As we celebrate the successes, we must recognize there are still areas that require our collective attention and use our gains as lessons to guide us in the task of defeating HIV-AIDS as a public health threat. The recently published 2024 Global AIDS Update report gives us a good indication of where we must continue to focus our attention,” Wachira said.
According to Wachira, the report, which is titled ‘The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads,’ reminds Emaswati and everyone concerned not to be complacent with the country’s gains until the battle was fully won.
Among other things, the report highlights:
Stagnation in Global Progress: The report highlights that global progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths has stagnated. Despite significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the rates of new infections and deaths have not significantly decreased in recent years.
Increasing Inequities: There is a growing disparity in HIV/AIDS outcomes across different regions and populations. Key populations, such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, and LGBTQ+ individuals, continue to face higher rates of HIV and reduced access to necessary services.
Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS, disrupting services and supply chains, and negatively impacting the progress made in HIV prevention and treatment.
The report makes recommendations that we should take note of and localise in the country’s efforts, including:
Prioritise Key Populations: Focus efforts on improving access to prevention, treatment, and support services for key populations who are disproportionately affected by HIV. This includes addressing stigma and discrimination to ensure these groups receive equitable care.
Strengthen Health Systems: Invest in and strengthen health systems to ensure they are resilient and capable of maintaining essential HIV/AIDS services even during crises like pandemics. This includes improving health infrastructure and ensuring a steady supply of medications and other resources.
Increase global and national funding, cooperation and partnerships to support for HIV/AIDS programmes.
Wachira also congratulated Eswatini for the achievements in its fight against HIV/AIDS. He acknowledged the efforts made by His Majesty King Mswati III, who once declared the disease as a national disaster. He mentioned that the King once called upon Emaswati to take care of one another, while fighting the disease, stating the HIV/AIDS yindzaba yetfu sonkhe (is everyone’s concern).
He also congratulated Government for steering the ship in the right direction, forming partnerships that would help the country in fighting the battle. Wachira said the Global Fund was one of the right partners for Eswatini to fight the disease.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Ministry of Health Principal Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza, among other officials.