Medicines worth E0.5m boost Eswatini’s Malaria response
By Delisa Magagula
The Ministry of Health has received anti-malaria drugs valued at half a million emalangeni from the End Malaria Fund Eswatini, a contribution expected to strengthen the country’s preparedness as it enters the peak malaria season.
The donation was handed over to Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula by End Malaria Fund Director Steven Mthethwa at the Central Medical Stores.
Mthethwa commended national efforts over the years to control malaria transmission, noting that the continued partnership between government and stakeholders had played a central role in reducing cases.
He said the organisation remained committed to supporting the health sector’s response. Mthethwa highlighted that the donation was a reflection of their confidence in the country’s malaria programme and its progress toward long-term elimination.
Minister Matsebula said the delivery of the medicines could not have come at a more crucial time, as mobility increases during the festive season and citizens travel to and from malaria-endemic areas in the region.
He stressed that Eswatini, like neighbouring countries, is currently in the high-risk period for malaria, which places added pressure on prevention and treatment services.
He expressed gratitude to the End Malaria Fund for its consistent contributions.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the End Malaria Fund board and all its partners for unwavering support to our fight against malaria,” he said.
Matsebula added that the donated drugs will allow the ministry to respond effectively to rising demand.
“As the festive season has begun, many citizens will be traveling while we enter the peak of malaria season.
The demand for malaria chemoprevention is on the rise, while admissions for severe malaria cases need to be met with the specified treatment as per our guidelines.
This donation, therefore, comes at the opportune time to ensure we are well prepared for the season and to ensure that nobody dies from malaria in Eswatini,” Matsebula said.
The Ministry of Health said the drugs will be distributed across facilities in areas classified as high-risk, as well as border regions where surveillance teams are most active.
Health workers have been encouraged to continue early detection, timely treatment and community sensitisation, which remain central to the national malaria strategy.
Worth noting, the End Malaria Fund continues to support Eswatini with resources for prevention campaigns, awareness programmes, and equipment for testing and treatment.
The ministry said the latest donation further strengthens the national goal of keeping malaria cases low and preventing deaths throughout the high-transmission period.