GENEVA — Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding partnership with The Global Fund, with Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Russell Mmiso Dlamini conveying the sincere appreciation of His Majesty King Mswati III, Government, and the people of the Kingdom during high-level talks at the institution’s headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of His Majesty, the Prime Minister thanked The Global Fund for its unwavering support and continued investment in strengthening the country’s health system, describing the partnership as one founded on mutual accountability, shared responsibility, and a common commitment to improving public health outcomes.
He noted that support provided through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and other Global Fund investments has significantly strengthened Eswatini’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies, while enhancing the long-term resilience of the national health system.
Key achievements under the partnership
The Prime Minister highlighted several milestones realised through the partnership, including the modernisation of the Lubombo Referral Laboratory, which has strengthened disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other emerging public health threats.
He also cited the expansion of the country’s medical oxygen production and distribution infrastructure, investments in renewable energy systems for health facilities, the establishment of the National Medical Waste Management Facility, and the digital transformation of health information, laboratory management, and pharmaceutical supply chain systems.
The Prime Minister further welcomed The Global Fund’s support in transforming the Central Medical Stores into the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency, noting that the reform will strengthen governance, accountability, and the efficient management of essential medical commodities.
Medical tourism ambitions
Rt. Hon. Dlamini shared Eswatini’s long-term vision of developing a medical tourism sector as part of the Grand Plan for National Transformation, emphasising that The Global Fund’s investments have laid a strong foundation for achieving this strategic national aspiration.
Global Fund commends Eswatini’s progress
The Global Fund’s Head of Grant Management, Mr Mark Edington, commended Eswatini for the notable progress made in strengthening its health system and advancing the national response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, saying the Kingdom’s achievements position it as an example that can inspire other nations to accelerate progress in public health.
Mr Edington also praised Eswatini’s strong domestic financing for health and recognised the Kingdom as one of the first countries to roll out Lenacapavir, the long-acting HIV prevention medicine.
Commitment to accountability
Reaffirming Government’s commitment, the Prime Minister assured The Global Fund that all investments made through the partnership will continue to be governed transparently, maintained responsibly, utilised efficiently, and sustainably financed in accordance with sound public financial management principles.
He concluded by expressing Government’s appreciation for The Global Fund’s steadfast partnership and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to working collaboratively towards resilient health systems, universal access to quality healthcare, effective disease control, and sustainable national development.
