By EPN Report
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has encouraged developed countries to form partnerships with Eswatini, if they want health workers.
The PM said this yesterday during the 5th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM Council) Annual Summit in Rome, Italy.
Dlamini was representing His Majesty King Mswati III during the meeting.
The Summit has been held under the theme: “Creating a better present and building a greater future together for Africa: the role of healthcare and investments,” which, according to Dlamini, resonated with many of the aspirations of Eswatini.
During the summit, the prime minister raised concerns that a brain drain was taking place in developed countries, including Eswatini. He said many healthcare workers were recruited in large numbers by the developed countries, from the developing countries.
Speaking during the summit, Dlamini said the relocation of our healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors to other countries affected Eswatini. He said the country invested heavily in training a high number of healthcare professionals.
“Therefore, we proposed that the migration of workers happens in a mutually beneficial manner and invited countries that have an acute need for health workers to enter into formal agreements with the Kingdom for provision of the same,” Dlamini said.
The premier also reiterated the importance of developing preventive healthcare in Africa and Eswatini. “Such investments help to reduce the burden on health systems through reduced disease incidence, improved health outcomes, and enhances the general quality of life for our people,” he said.
Dlamini told those who attended the summit that Eswatini had been able to eradicate diseases such as polio and malaria was under control. However, he said the country was still battling with non-communicable diseases, hence support was of paramount importance on that front. The premier is expected back home today.
