Stories by Ncaba Ntshakala
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has unveiled a substantial investment of E18 million into the Nursing Leadership Initiative in Eswatini.
This initiative aims at supporting the nursing workforce and will channel resources towards equipping 500 emerging nurse leaders with vital leadership skills, personal and professional resiliency, and the capacity to identify and respond to new and emerging public health threats.
This was shared by the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jolanta Mikiewicz when delivering her remarks during the launch of the Nursing Leadership Initiative at the Hilton Garden Inn on Monday.
The launch of the PEPFAR Nursing Leadership Initiative was held under the auspices of the U.S. government and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and was graced by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula.
At the launch, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jolanta Mikiewicz lauded the invaluable contributions of nurses and affirmed PEPFAR’s commitment to elevating the nursing profession.
Mikiewicz commenced her remarks by acknowledging the indispensable role nurses play in Eswatini’s healthcare ecosystem, emphasizing their tireless dedication to safeguarding public health and caring for communities.
Highlighting their pivotal role on the front lines of national emergencies, Mikiewicz paid tribute to the immense commitment of nurses, whose efforts have been instrumental in various healthcare milestones, including progress towards HIV epidemic control, tuberculosis eradication, and widespread immunization campaigns.
Mikiewicz highlighted the critical need to address the underrepresentation of nurses in leadership positions within the health sector, advocating for transformative change in this regard.
Drawing attention to PEPFAR’s longstanding commitment to supporting Eswatini’s healthcare endeavours, Mikiewicz revealed the monumental investment of over $860 million (approx. E16 billion) since 2005, which has been invested to the nurse workforce through training, skill development, and quality management initiatives.
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She also added that the Nursing Leadership Initiative is PEPFAR’s latest endeavor which is an additional investment of E18 million (equivalent to US$1 million).
This initiative she said will empower 500 emerging nurse leaders with robust leadership skills, resilience, and the ability to navigate emerging public health threats effectively.
Emphasizing the transformative potential of nurturing young nursing professionals, Mikiewicz envisioned a future where these leaders would assume greater responsibilities, utilize data-driven insights to address disease trends and enhance the health and well-being of emaSwati nationwide.
Mikiewicz further outlined the three key priorities of the Nursing Leadership Initiative, crafted in collaboration with the nursing community and the Ministry of Health.
These priorities include strengthening leadership capacity through comprehensive training and mentorship programs, enhancing public health emergency response capabilities among frontline nurses, and cultivating a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes nurse wellness—a fundamental factor in delivering high-quality care and ensuring retention within the profession.
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The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission highlighted the U.S. government’s pledge to this high-impact initiative, which is going to support recruitment and retention within the nursing profession, fortify Eswatini’s defences against emerging public health threats, and sustainably enhance the nation’s healthcare services.
Mikiewicz then expressed eagerness for the collaborative journey ahead, rallying support for Eswatini’s nursing professionals.
Prime Minister highlights need of addressing the gap between senior and junior nurses.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has emphasized the importance of bridging the divide between senior nurses and junior staff, stating that this gap has contributed to challenges between the government and the nurses’ union. The Premier made these remarks while inaugurating the Eswatini Nursing Leadership Initiative which is supported by PEPFAR.
During the launch, the Prime Minister added that Eswatini has been steadfast against the backdrop of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving ambitious healthcare targets.
The Premier expressed the significance of the Nursing Leadership Initiative in fortifying Eswatini’s healthcare infrastructure.
With pride, Dlamini celebrated Eswatini’s distinction as one of the seven African countries selected to benefit from this transformative initiative, highlighting the pivotal role nurses play as the backbone of the nation’s health sector.
“The Nursing Leadership Initiative represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards achieving our healthcare goals,” declared the Premier.
Against the backdrop of past achievements and present challenges, he articulated a vision of resilience and progress, grounded in the empowerment of Eswatini’s nursing cadre.
Central to the Prime Minister’s address were the three foundational priorities of the Nursing Leadership Initiative, each meticulously crafted to empower nurses to lead, adapt, and thrive amidst evolving healthcare landscapes.
Firstly, Dlamini viewed the imperative of building leadership capacity among nurses, recognizing their dual role as caregivers and leaders within the healthcare system.
The Prime Minister stated that through targeted training and mentorship programs, nurses would be equipped with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of healthcare leadership, ensuring the sustainability of past gains and the effective management of emerging public health threats.
Secondly, Dlamini emphasized the importance of strengthening frontline nurses’ capacity to respond to emerging public health threats and emergencies. As the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services, frontline nurses play a pivotal role in detecting and responding to new and evolving infections.
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By providing specialized training in infection control, disease surveillance, and outbreak management, Eswatini aims to empower its frontline nurses to address the evolving landscape of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, with efficiency and precision.
Also, the Premier added the commitment to promoting workplace wellness among nurses, recognizing their invaluable contribution to patient care amidst the demands and pressures of their profession.
Pushing for a supportive workplace culture, characterized by mental health support services, stress management programs, and work-life balance initiatives, Eswatini seeks to create an environment where nurses feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Prime Minister extended a heartfelt appreciation to PEPFAR for entrusting the Ministry of Health with the implementation of the Nurse Leadership Initiative, acknowledging their pledge to advancing global health.
He also lauded the dedication and commitment of nurses across Eswatini, from training institutions to nursing associations, for their tireless efforts in improving healthcare delivery in the beloved nation.
Dlamini expressed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to the sustainability of the initiative and pledged to work tirelessly alongside partners and stakeholders to ensure its success. He then declared the Eswatini Nurse Leadership Initiative officially launched.
UNAIDS pledges support of Nursing Leadership Initiative
The UNAIDS Country Representative highlighted that they would offer technical and financial assistance to PEPFAR and the Ministry of Health for the initiative.
The Country Representative lauded the collaboration between the government and PEPFAR for the initiative and their commitment towards eradicating AIDS.
The Representative lauded nurses for their service and pledged to support and promote the Nursing Leadership Initiative.
