Africa-Press – Eswatini. Despite the challenges experienced by the country, Eswatini’s health sector has seen some progress.
This was seen by Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina. He said this during the 58th Session of the Commission for Population and Development in New York, USA. The minister said the Kingdom of Eswatini had made significant progress in improving the health and well-being of its people, despite challenges within the health sector.
During the event, the minister was speaking through his Principal Secretary (PS) Thabsile Mlangeni. The meeting is being held under the theme: “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.’’
Key Achievements
– Improved Mortality Rates:
– Infant mortality decreased from 53 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 35 in 2021-22.
– Under-five mortality saw a reduction from 74 to 41 during the same period.
These improvements reflect sustained investments in maternal, newborn, and child health.
– HIV and AIDS Response:
– The HIV incidence among adults aged 15 and over is 17 per 1,000 for females and 10.2 for males.
– Among those aged 15-49, the rates are 19.9 for women and 9.9 for men.
– Eswatini is recognized as one of the first countries globally to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
Commitment to Health as a Priority
Minister Gina emphasized that health is a critical driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it is a top priority in Eswatini’s national development agenda. He stated that health is guaranteed as a fundamental human right in the country’s Constitution.
Future Opportunities
Looking towards 2030, Minister Gina highlighted several opportunities for accelerating progress:
– Increased investments in health infrastructure and digital health solutions.
– Capacity building for healthcare professionals to ensure access to high-quality, integrated health services.
– Strengthening data systems and leveraging technological innovation.
Minister Gina concluded with a powerful statement: “A healthy nation is a productive nation.” This reflects the commitment of Eswatini to not only improve health outcomes but also to enhance the overall productivity and well-being of its population.
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