by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini has emphasised its commitment to upholding human rights as a cornerstone of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Mahlangatsha, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini emphasized that the nation is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and eliminating stigma and discrimination that hinders progress in addressing the epidemic.
Under the localized theme “NKWE! Eswatini Taking the Rights Path to End AIDS”, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of human rights in health.
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“We must protect health for all by upholding human rights, particularly for people living with HIV, as well as vulnerable and key populations,” he stated.
Dlamini pointed out that despite the country’s significant progress, gaps remain in addressing the needs of marginalized groups, including adolescent girls, young women, and older men, who continue to bear the brunt of new infections.
Eswatini has been a global leader in the HIV response, achieving and surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets with scores of 94-97-96.
This remarkable success reflects the country’s relentless efforts to expand treatment access, promote awareness, and strengthen partnerships.
The Prime Minister praised these achievements while stressing that the fight is far from over. “We must ensure no one is left behind in accessing HIV prevention services, treatment, care, and support,” he declared.
Dlamini reflected on the early years of the epidemic when stigma and limited treatment options devastated communities.
He credited His Majesty King Mswati III for declaring HIV a national disaster in 1999, which galvanized a coordinated national response led by the National Emergency Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA).
“The call to end stigma and discrimination remains just as relevant today as it was two decades ago,” Dlamini noted, echoing the King’s earlier directive to end blame and enhance inclusivity.
The Prime Minister also touched on new challenges facing the HIV response, including the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV.
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He emphasized the need for integrated healthcare systems to address these overlapping health issues effectively.
In conclusion, Dlamini emphasized the government’s dedication to sustaining the gains made in the HIV response by increasing domestic funding and strengthening health systems.
He urged global partners to continue their support and encouraged emaSwati to uphold the principle of “HIV yindzaba yetfu sonkhe” which means that ‘HIV is everyone’s business’.
He added that as Eswatini continues its journey on the rights path, it stands as a centre and resilience in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
