PM calls for integrated HIV and NCD response as 9th NERCHA Council begins three-year mandate
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Government of Eswatini has officially commissioned the 9th Council of the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing battle against HIV and emerging health challenges.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini presided over the commissioning ceremony, emphasising the new Council’s critical role over the next three years in advancing Eswatini’s health agenda. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the newly appointed Council, which assumed office on August 25, 2025.
He stated, “It is my pleasure to introduce and commission the 9th NERCHA Council. The Council will be in office for the next three years, having officially assumed its responsibilities on August 25, 2025.”
His remarks underscored the importance of the Council’s mandate in supporting the National Executive Director and the management team to ensure the organisation meets its objectives.
Despite Eswatini’s remarkable progress in reaching the 95-95-95 targets set by the United Nations Global AIDS strategy, where 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression, the Prime Minister highlighted ongoing challenges.
He noted that “about 13 per cent of people in the country who are aware of their HIV-positive status are not on treatment,” pointing to a critical gap in the HIV care continuum.
He urged the Council to prioritise identifying and linking these individuals to care, emphasising the need for intensified efforts to close this treatment gap.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the persistent rate of new HIV infections in Eswatini, estimated at around 4,000 annually. He highlighted the vulnerability of young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, who bear the brunt of new infections.
“Our data shows that most of these new infections are among our young people; particularly adolescent girls and young women, we need to strengthen our prevention efforts to ensure that we preserve ‘nangu umliba loya embili,’” he said, invoking a local phrase that stresses the importance of protecting the youth from the scourge of HIV.
In addition to HIV, the Prime Minister pointed out the emerging health challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV (PLHIV).
As the population ages, the incidence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension increases. “Our people living with HIV are ageing, and with age, naturally, people become prone to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. Our people living with HIV are also faced with these NCDs,” he explained.
He tasked NERCHA with leveraging its experience in coordinating HIV responses to integrate efforts addressing both HIV and NCDs. The goal is to strengthen prevention and resource mobilisation to ensure early identification and care linkage for those affected.
The PM also noted that the Council’s entry coincides with a critical period of organisational transformation for NERCHA.
The institution is undergoing a comprehensive review and legislative reform to redefine its mandate and strategic direction. He expressed his expectations that the new Council will provide strong governance and oversight during this process.
“I am confident that you will ensure that NERCHA is a credible and world-class organisation,” he affirmed.
The composition of the 9th NERCHA Council reflects a diverse and experienced group of leaders drawn from various sectors. The Council is chaired by Ntsika Fakudze and includes key figures such as Sifiso Dlamini, Legal Officer; Pauline Dlamini, Director of Internal Audit & Risk at PSPF; Hani Dlamini, representing people living with HIV; H.E. Njabuliso Gwebu, former Ambassador and founder of AMICAAL; Eric Seyama, former Early Warning Director at NDMA; Nhlanhla Nhlabatsi, Epidemiologist; Dr. Penuel Gina and Dr. Siphile Msane, both Medical Doctors.
The Council also have Khanyisile Dube, Principal Finance Officer; Rev. Zachariah Mthethwa, Pastor; Zanele Nonhlanhla Dlamini, PS Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development; Dr. Nondumiso Ncube, NERCHA National Executive Director; and Victor Nxumalo, Secretary to Cabinet.
This diverse expertise positions the Council to effectively address the multifaceted challenges facing Eswatini’s health sector.
The Prime Minister’s commissioning of the Council signals a renewed commitment by the government to sustain and build upon the country’s successes in HIV response while tackling emerging health issues with an integrated approach.