By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Health has received a massive boost following a cash injection towards the HPV vaccination programme.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula launched the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) grant amounting to E30 million ($1.6 million).
The launch, attended by esteemed dignitaries and health stakeholders, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat cervical cancer and enhance immunization services.
The launch was held at the Hilton Garden Hotel, in Mbabane on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Matsebula expressed his delight at the positive development, remarking on the rarity of waking up to such uplifting news.
ALSO READ: Opinion: Healthcare must put the people first
He extended a warm welcome to all attendees and emphasized the importance of the partnership with GAVI in fortifying the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.
Highlighting the nation’s commitment to significantly reduce cervical cancer by 2030, Minister Matsebula shared the success of the HPV vaccine introduction in June 2023, which targeted girls aged between 9 and 14 years.
Since its inception, the HPV vaccination program has made substantial progress, achieving a commendable coverage rate of 63.6% as of March 22, 2024.
The Minister commended the ongoing efforts to integrate the vaccine into the routine immunization schedule, acknowledging the dedication of healthcare professionals across the country.
Despite these achievements, he acknowledged the need for continued diligence to reach the elimination target for cervical cancer.
The partnership with GAVI made possible through the GAVI Middle-Income Countries Strategy (MICS), represents a significant step forward in supporting the HPV vaccination programme.
Eswatini was awarded a grant of $1.6 million (E30 324 720.00) for technical assistance, covering vital aspects such as training, capacity building, communication, and demand creation.
Minister Mduduzi Matsebula expressed confidence that through this collaboration, coverage exceeding 90% of the target population could be achieved, ensuring that all eligible girls receive protection and the opportunity for healthy and productive lives.
In extending gratitude to GAVI for their support, the Minister of Health emphasized the hope for the partnership to extend beyond the introduction of the HPV vaccine to address other critical healthcare needs, including reaching zero-dose children in the future.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing free and accessible immunization services to all eligible groups, urging parents, caregivers, and targeted populations to utilize these services.
Further, the Minister of Health paid tribute to healthcare workers for their unwavering dedication and declared the implementation of activities under the GAVI Alliance grant officially launched.
ALSO READ: Eswatini on par with EU countries on free education and healthcare
GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance (previously the GAVI Alliance, and before that the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) is a public–private global health partnership to increase access to immunization.
In 2016, Gavi channelled more than half of total donor assistance for health, and most donor assistance for immunization, by monetary measure.
Gavi supports the immunization of almost half the world’s children. Gavi has helped immunize over 760 million children, preventing over 13 million deaths worldwide, helping increase diphtheria vaccine coverage in supported countries from 59% in 2000 to 81% in 2019, contributing to reducing child mortality by half.
It also seeks to improve the economics of vaccines, negotiating bulk prices, supporting price discrimination, and reducing the commercial risks that manufacturers face when selling vaccines to the poor and developing vaccines.
It also provides funding to strengthen health systems and train health workers across the developing world, though the effectiveness of its health-system-strengthening programs is disputed.
