By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a significant boost to the nation’s health emergency capabilities, Marko Kwaramba, Acting Resident Representative of the World Bank handed over eight new ambulances valued at E14 million and an emergency stockpile worth E9.8 million to various health facilities across Eswatini.
During the ceremony held at the premises of the National Disaster Management Agency in Matsapha, Kwaramba commended the Government of Eswatini for its “remarkable progress” in enhancing health emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
He highlighted the importance of the Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Umbrella Program (HEPR), which is designed to help countries prepare for and mitigate the impact of health crises.
“Eswatini received US$3 million in funding from the HEPR Trust Fund, generously financed by the Australian, German, and Japanese Governments,” Kwaramba stated.
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“This support has been instrumental in enhancing the nation’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to health emergencies.”
The handover includes essential emergency supplies such as stretchers and patient monitors, which Kwaramba described as “a powerful symbol of our commitment to safeguard and enhance Eswatini’s capacity to respond to health emergencies.
” He urged all stakeholders to view this moment as a milestone that will strengthen the nation’s readiness to protect and serve its communities in critical times.
Kwaramba emphasized, “Emergency preparedness is a necessity in an uncertain global environment. It allows us to save lives by responding faster and more effectively to emergencies and reduce impacts by minimizing health and economic consequences.”
He reiterated that the current investments are crucial for establishing a more resilient health system capable of handling public health emergencies, including natural disasters, epidemics, and pandemics.
“This handover also aligns with Eswatini’s national health goals of ensuring the highest standard of health for EmaSwati and achieving universal health coverage,” he added, underscoring that this initiative is part of a broader global effort to enhance health security and preparedness.
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Kwaramba also acknowledged the vital role of partnerships and local collaboration in achieving these objectives.
He extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for their dedication and expertise in the nation’s development priorities.
“However,” he warned, “our work does not end here. For long-term sustainability, we must continue to invest in health infrastructure, capacity-building, and training. We need to ensure these investments benefit not just today but for generations to come.”
In conclusion, Kwaramba reaffirmed the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting Eswatini in fostering a robust health system, stating, “Our partnership extends beyond financial assistance.
We are committed to providing technical expertise and global best practices to complement local insights. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for all citizens of Eswatini.”
