BY DELISA THWALA
MANZINI– Through technical support from the World Health Organization(WHO) and collaboration with other partners, The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has reduced the burden of communicable diseases.
This information was revealed by His Excellency Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini during the World Health Day and WHO 75th Anniversary celebration.
These diseases include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Prime Minister revealed that, over the years, deaths due to HIV/AIDS have been declining and this can be attributed to the expansion in Antiretroviral Treatment. Mother to Child transmission of HIV has also dropped drastically, from over 30 per cent in the past 10 years to only 1.2 per cent in 2022.
“Moreover, there has been improved Tuberculosis Diagnosis and case detection due to the roll out of technologies such as Gene Xpert. This has been coupled by improved TB treatment success rates,” he said.
In addition, His Excellency said Eswatini has managed to reduce the burden on malaria over the years such that the country has received several awards and has been recognised as one of 25 countries worldwide most likely to record zero local malaria cases by the year 2025.
“Our country has also been polio-free for the last 30 years now and is on the drive to eliminate neonatal tetanus, measles and other vaccine preventable diseases,” he said.
Worth noting is that The Kingdom of Eswatini signed a basic agreement with the WHO for the provision of technical assistance on June 5, 1973. Since then, the Kingdom of Eswatini has walked with the WHO, other partners and all people in ensuring that all emaSwati attain the highest level of health.
In closing, the Prime Minister said, today’s event provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on the World Health Organisation’s 75-year long journey to attain the highest possible level of health by all people.
“Today is to emphasise that health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition,” he said.
LET US HELP, WE WANT TO HELP – TAIWAN TO ESWATINI HEALTH MINISTRY
…Taiwan pleads with WHO to be included in world’s international health system
BY DELISA THWALA
MANZINI– The Ambassador of Taiwan to Eswatini Jeremy Liang has reiterated his country’s interest in continuing helping Eswatini.
The Ambassador said they were willing to help the Ministry of Health because Eswatini and Taiwan had a robust friendship and cooperation. He was sharing his remarks at the World Health Day (WHO) 75th Anniversary Celebration, held at Manzini Tums George Hotel.
“As we all embark on a journey to achieve ‘Health For All’ and to motivate action to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow, the government of Taiwan is humbled to have been invited to the World Health Organization’s 75th Anniversary,” he said. Worth noting is that The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a firm believer in the possibility of achieving universal access to high-quality healthcare.
The Ambassador highlighted that the Taiwanese healthcare system is characterised by good accessibility, comprehensive population coverage, short waiting times, low cost, and national data collection systems for planning and research.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Eswatini government wholeheartedly for always supporting our bid to become a member of the international community and we value the support shown to us. We hope that our friendship will strengthen and reach new heights as we continue to work together on a wide range of projects, including health issues.
“If we continue to work together there is nothing we cannot achieve whether it is quality health care for all or transforming people’s lives. Taiwan can Help. Please let Taiwan help,” he said.
In addition to that he said for the past number of years, Taiwan has carried out a number of health care projects to improve Emaswati’s health as a result of its affection for Eswatini, which is no secret.
With this quality of health care systems, knowledge and experience, they have assisted Eswatini through various programs including the Medical Mission.
The mission has worked tirelessly to help Eswatini. In addition to assisting in the training of more than 88 doctors, they have also aided the Eswatini government by providing free medical services to rural areas through their outreach program.
“Taiwan’s government has made many other contributions to the international community that demonstrate our assertiveness and collaborative spirit.
“However, Taiwan is excluded from the world’s international health system. Therefore, once again we plead with WHO to include us as one of the countries who honour and fulfill the mandate of the organisation,” he said in addition.
