During the World AIDS Day commemoration at Mahlangatsha, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini drew attention to the intricate links between HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence (GBV), calling for urgent action to address these interconnected challenges.
As Eswatini observes both World AIDS Day and the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, Dlamini emphasises the need for holistic solutions to these public health and social issues.
“Sexual and gender-based violence continues to rear its ugly head in Eswatini, exacerbating vulnerabilities to HIV,” Dlamini remarked.
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He explained how GBV fuels the epidemic by limiting individuals’ ability to negotiate safe relationships, access healthcare, and recover from trauma.
“We must tackle these issues head-on if we are to make meaningful progress in ending AIDS,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister acknowledged socioeconomic factors as significant drivers of new infections, particularly among young women, adolescent girls, and older men.
Limited access to comprehensive sexual education, stigma, and poverty create an environment where HIV continues to thrive.
“These challenges require us to move beyond traditional responses and adopt innovative, multi-sectoral approaches,” Dlamini said.
He commended the work of NERCHA and other stakeholders for their role in advancing the country’s HIV response.
However, he stressed the need for a sustainability roadmap to ensure long-term success. “This roadmap must transition from an emergency response to a sustainable approach, leveraging domestic resources, addressing social determinants, and enhancing human rights protections,” Dlamini said.
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In his remarks, Dlamini also highlighted the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV as a growing concern.
He noted that lifestyle changes, urbanization, and dietary shifts are compounding health risks and complicating treatment regimens.
“Integrated care models are essential to addressing these dual health challenges,” he said.
Dlamini called on all sectors of society to play their part in ending the epidemic and safeguarding human rights.
He urged families, communities, and traditional leaders to prioritize education, dialogue, and support systems that protect vulnerable populations.
