U.S. Govt strengthens health sector support with donation of 14 vehicles
By Thokozani Mazibuko
The United States Government has reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with Eswatini’s health sector through a significant donation of 14 vehicles to various departments within the Ministry of Health.
The vehicles, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), were officially handed over on Monday in Mbabane.
The handover ceremony was led by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock, who presented the fleet to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, alongside representatives from the benefiting units.
Speaking during the event, CDA Weinstock emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Eswatini in addressing public health challenges.
“PEPFAR and the U.S. Government remain committed to supporting countries in maintaining the response we have jointly built,” he said. “We look forward to continued collaboration under the United States’ new Global Health Strategy that was released at UNGA last week. These vehicles that we hand over today represent resources provided by the United States.”
The donation comes at a crucial time as the Ministry of Health continues to strengthen service delivery and scale up responses to critical diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and tuberculosis.
The 14 vehicles will be distributed across several programmes and departments to improve mobility, coordination, and outreach in communities across the country.
The beneficiaries include:
Eswatini National AIDS Programme
National Cancer Control Programme
Health Promotion Unit
Eswatini Health Laboratory Services
Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board
National TB Control Programme
Strategic Information Department
Receiving the donation, Principal Secretary Mabuza expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Eswatini, noting that the vehicles would greatly enhance the efficiency of health interventions.
“This generous contribution will make a tangible difference in our ability to deliver quality services to the people of Eswatini,” he said.
“Reliable transportation is critical for timely outreach, monitoring, and delivery of health programmes. We are thankful to the United States Government and PEPFAR for their unwavering support.”
Over the years, PEPFAR has played a pivotal role in advancing Eswatini’s health sector, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, where the country has made remarkable progress in reducing new infections and improving treatment outcomes. The newly released U.S. Global Health Strategy,
which underpins this donation, prioritizes sustainability, equity, and stronger health systems areas that align with Eswatini’s own national health goals.
Ministry of Health Communication Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze pointed out in an interview with this publication that the vehicles had previously been utilised by other NGO’s and hence the fact that they completed their designed programs, the US saw the Ministry ‘s need and handed over these vehicles.
It should be noted that the handover not only reinforces the U.S.-Eswatini partnership but also highlights the importance of international cooperation in building resilient health systems capable of responding to current and future challenges.