BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – World Vision Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to support government-led initiatives aimed at addressing mental health challenges in the country.
The organisation highlighted mental health as a pressing national concern during the launch of the 2026 Medical and Dental Outreach programme held on 11 March 2026 in Ndzevane.
Speaking at the event, Amos W. Zaindi emphasised the organisation’s readiness to work closely with government and community partners to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Zaindi noted that collaborative partnerships are essential in addressing complex health challenges and ensuring that essential services reach those who need them most.
“Building on our success at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre, we have expanded to the Ndzevane Refugee Centre, supporting the relocation of 17 refugees as part of government efforts to promote self-sufficiency,” he said. “This process strengthens resilience and enables economic empowerment for both refugee and host communities.”
Eswatini continues to face significant mental health challenges, with high suicide rates linked to factors such as poverty, trauma and unemployment. A large proportion of mental health cases involve young people between the ages of 15 and 35, highlighting the need for increased support and awareness programmes.
The country currently has only one specialised psychiatric hospital serving the entire nation, which underscores the importance of community-based interventions and collaborative programmes to strengthen mental health services.
The Medical and Dental Outreach initiative aims to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities. It is organised through a partnership involving the Mbabane Rotary Club, the Ministry of Health and other partners such as the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise.
Through the outreach programme, residents will have access to a wide range of services including tuberculosis and cancer screening, dental care, curative treatment, nutrition screening and preventive health education. The initiative also provides psychosocial support and primary healthcare services aimed at strengthening community wellbeing.
Zaindi said the programme demonstrates how collaboration between humanitarian organisations, government institutions and civic groups can deliver meaningful impact for communities.
Since 2022, World Vision Eswatini has implemented several programmes to support refugee communities in the country. The organisation has covered medical expenses for more than 1,000 refugees and provided health education to over 2,000 individuals.
Additional initiatives have focused on gender-based violence awareness, child protection, education support and livelihood development programmes designed to strengthen resilience among vulnerable families.
Zaindi expressed gratitude to the Mbabane Rotary Club for its leadership and commitment to improving community health, as well as the Ministry of Health for providing policy guidance and support that ensures vulnerable populations are included in national healthcare systems.
He emphasised that partnerships remain critical in delivering sustainable solutions to social and health challenges.
“Together, we can transform lives and foster lasting hope,” he said. “When government, civic organisations and communities unite, no challenge is too great, and no person is too small to be seen, supported and empowered.”
The outreach programme is expected to serve hundreds of people in Ndzevane and surrounding areas, including refugees and local residents, providing vital healthcare services and psychosocial support that contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.
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