by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) hosted a candle-lighting event in commemoration of World AIDS Day, annually observed on December 1.
With this year’s theme, “Nkwe! Eswatini Taking the Rights Path to End AIDS”, the event was said to highlight the country’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS while addressing interrelated challenges, such as gender-based violence and accessibility to healthcare services.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to healthcare transformation through digital innovation. “
The Ministry of ICT is proud to contribute to this mission by championing healthcare innovations that improve accessibility, efficiency, and reach.
Technology offers us an unprecedented opportunity to bring healthcare directly into people’s hands, making it possible for individuals living with HIV to access vital services and support,” stated Maziya.
The recent Code for Care Competition which is an initiative under the Ministry’s wing, was said to exemplify the strides being made toward a tech-enabled healthcare system.
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The competition invited young people across Eswatini to propose technology-driven solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, particularly those affecting young girls, who are often at greater risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence.
“By engaging youth in this way, we are empowering the next generation to use their creativity and skills to create meaningful, sustainable change in our healthcare landscape,” Maziya added.
The event was attended by Sandile Mweli, Director of the Public Sector HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (PSHACC) under the Ministry of Public Service.
Addressing the audience, Mweli emphasized the importance of self-love and self-care among Ministry employees, advocating for wellness education in the workplace.
“People spend much of their time at work, making it an ideal place to promote health and wellness education,” Mweli noted.
He further stressed that knowing one’s HIV status is essential and should not be assumed based on a partner’s health status.
In her remarks, Minister Savannah reflected on the dual challenges of HIV and gender-based violence, especially in their impact on young women and girls.
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“While we celebrate the progress in our battle against HIV/AIDS, we are also reminded of the deeply troubling scourge of gender-based violence, which affects far too many lives across our country.
This violence, particularly directed toward women and young girls, exacerbates the vulnerability to HIV infection, creating additional challenges to our mission,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the Government in Your Hand initiative, which is another cornerstone program under the Ministry’s purview.
The program aims to bridge the healthcare gap through digital solutions. It also enhances access to healthcare by providing essential information, offering remote services, and ensuring individuals living with HIV can receive discreet, timely, and effective care.
Through this initiative, the government was said to be taking steps towards building an accessible healthcare system where every individual can find the support they need.
As candles were lit, the Minister remarked, “Let each flame remind us of our commitment to a brighter future, one where AIDS no longer poses a threat to the lives of our people.
Let us continue forward, united in purpose and unyielding in our resolve to protect the rights and health of every citizen in Eswatini.”
