By Ncaba Ntshakala
THE cutting-edge public health laboratory in Eswatini has received high praise from Dr Anna Montén-Köchel, a representative of the German Embassy, who commended the facility’s significant role in improving diagnostics for drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB).
During the opening of the 2024 Sub-Sahara SeqNET Consortium Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn, Montén-Köchel expressed her admiration for the advancements made at the laboratory, highlighting its influence on TB detection and management.
“Yesterday, I had the chance to visit the public health laboratory of Eswatini—an incredibly impressive facility,” stated Montén-Köchel.
“This state-of-the-art establishment has already shown tangible benefits in enhancing the detection of drug-resistant TB strains.
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Thank you, colleagues, for the insightful tour. I wish all implementing partners in Eswatini, as well as those in Namibia and Mozambique, continued success in fully utilizing these new lab capabilities.”
Montén-Köchel’s comments underscored the laboratory’s critical role in supporting regional TB control efforts.
It serves as a vital element in Eswatini’s response to infectious diseases, utilizing advanced genomic sequencing technologies.
The facility’s successes exemplify the effectiveness of collaborative initiatives, particularly those under the Sub-Saharan African Network for Genomic Diagnostics and Surveillance of Lung Pathogens (SeqNET).
In her speech, Montén-Köchel also emphasized Germany’s commitment to international partnerships through its Global Health Protection Program (GHPP),
which fosters cooperation between specialized German public health institutions and their international partners.
She noted that the collaboration between Eswatini’s laboratory and institutions like the Research Center Borstel and the Leibniz Lung Center serves as a prime example of successful cross-border cooperation.
“Health protection and security are global challenges that necessitate cross-border solutions and collaboration among the international community,” Montén-Köchel explained.
“The Global Health Protection Program, backed by the German Federal Ministry of Health, is a significant part of Germany’s international engagement.
Partnerships like these enhance public health measures and bolster our collective capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health crises.”
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The SeqNET Consortium Meeting, attended by participants from Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, and international representatives from the US, Germany, and Italy, serves as a platform for sharing expertise and improving TB diagnostics throughout the region.
Montén-Köchel highlighted the consortium’s role in fostering the exchange of knowledge necessary to address the ongoing public health challenge posed by TB.
She also acknowledged the importance of cultural and diplomatic connections between Germany and Eswatini, referencing the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations.
“Germany maintains strong bilateral ties with the Kingdom of Eswatini,” she remarked. “Through our liaison officer in Bavaria and our partnership with the European Union, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing these relationships daily.
” She further encouraged participants to engage in cultural events, such as the European Film Festival, supported by Germany in collaboration with the EU.
Montén-Köchel concluded her speech by expressing confidence in the continued collaboration within the SeqNET network and reiterating Germany’s commitment to global health initiatives.
“I am convinced that through ongoing collaboration and regular exchanges, we can achieve significant public health outcomes,” she stated.
“Germany is dedicated to enhancing global health protection through international partnerships, and today’s consortium meeting presents a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen this network.”
