BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE– Works on development in the quality of health services are underway.
Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO) Eswatini gathered yesterday to launch the Country Cooperation Strategy (CSS) for the years 2022-2026. This took place at the Mountain View Hotel.
During the proceedings of the launch, Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi spoke on the unity between the WHO and the government through the five-year strategy that had been developed, stating that challenges were faced during the development of the strategy due to COVID-19.
“I am honoured to be part of this event to launch the five-year Country Cooperation Strategy which we have developed with the World Health Organisation. This has been a long process, interrupted by COVID-19 in 2020, but I am glad that we have come this far and that we are ready to continue with the business of improving the health of the nation in line with global strategies and resolutions.
“The signing of this fourth Country Cooperation Strategy 2022–2026 reaffirms the strength of the relationship between the World Health Organisation, as part of the wider United Nations system, and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” said Nkosi.
The minister went on to mention the government’s commitment in ensuring a strong health system in the country and how this had so far been implemented. According to the government website, the Ministry of Health has a mission to improve the health of the people of Eswatini by providing leadership in the production, delivery and utilization of health services which will consistently increase longevity and quality of life.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is committed to improving the health and well-being of people of Eswatini by providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services that are of high quality, relevant, accessible, affordable, equitable and socially acceptable. Eswatini also adopted Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 3) – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
“The government recognises that improving health outcomes will be achieved through strengthening health systems towards Universal Health Coverage, addressing socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health as well as protecting people from health emergencies, leaving no-one behind,” said the minister.
Nkosi finally welcomed the fourth Country Cooperation Strategy 2022–2026 which was aligned to the World Health Organization’s 13th General Programme of Work. She stated that it paved the way for a new level of collaboration that would be strategically focused, results-oriented, and built on longstanding partnerships.
Another ministry that recently launched its five-year strategy is the Ministry of Home Affairs titled ‘Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Strategic Plan of 2022-2026’.
Images sourced from WHO Eswatini Twitter page.
