By Ncaba Ntshakala
Eswatini is ready to host the world – in all areas. With thousands of people expected to descend on the Kingdom of Eswatini over the weekend, the Ministry of Health has announced comprehensive measures to ensure the country is prepared for the influx of tourists.
With attendees coming from various African countries and beyond, the Ministry has implemented a robust MTN Bushfire Festival Integrated Emergency Health Services Plan to mitigate potential public health risks.
The Principal Secretary (PS), Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, has issued a statement highlighting the Ministry’s major efforts to address the health challenges posed by the large gathering.
The PS expressed that recent reports of rising cases of Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) and Influenza in neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa, have prompted heightened vigilance.
He said that the Ministry’s plan focuses on preventing the spread of these infectious diseases and managing other health risks that may arise during the festival.
Mabuza shared that a risk assessment exercise based on national data was conducted to identify potential public health threats during the festival.
He said the anticipated risks include heat stroke, dehydration, stampedes, falls, fires, infectious conditions such as Mpox and Influenza, road accidents, and other trauma-related emergencies.
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Mabuza said that the emergency health services plan ensures preparedness and response measures are in place from ports of entry to the festival grounds at House on Fire.
The Ministry has said that it has strengthened surveillance at strategic ports of entry, including King Mswati III International Airport and Ngwenya Border Post. Screening points have been set up to monitor travellers for signs and symptoms of acute infections as they enter the country.
This enhanced surveillance is part of the Ministry’s high-alert status regarding Influenza and Mpox.
To support festival-goers, the Ministry’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) team has established a 24/7 help desk accessible through the toll-free line 977.
This service provides information and handles emergencies and threats related to the MTN Bushfire Festival.
Additionally, roadside emergency services will be available through strategically stationed ambulances in eight identified road crash zones.
The 16 EPR base stations across the country will also be operational to offer assistance.
Moreover, an Onsite Treatment Medical Centre has been set up at the festival venue, House on Fire, which is staffed by health professionals, including public health nurses and paramedics.
Advanced life support ambulances will be deployedclose to the site, and paramedics will be stationed outside the venue to respond to any emergencies promptly.
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The PS also shared that special arrangements have been made with various public and private health facilities to receive casualties for further management if needed.
The facilities include Ezulwini Private Hospital (EPH), The Clinic Group, Women and Children Clinic, Mbabane Government Hospital, RFM Hospital, and Mankayane Government Hospital.
Furthermore, Mabuza advised the public and festival-goers to exercise caution on the roads during the busy weekend, adhere to healt
“The Ministry advises members of the public and MTN Bushfire Festival goers to practice caution on the roads during this busy weekend,
practice all health protocols that are related to the prevention of acute infectious diseases and visit the nearest health facility when not feeling well,” reads the statement.
