Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Health has received a substantial boost to its operational capacity with the handover of 23 vehicles and 30 laptops worth E17.9 million.
The equipment, procured through the Global Fund Grant by the country’s Principal Recipient, the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), was officially handed over on Wednesday at the NERCHA offices.
The handover ceremony was officiated by the Chairperson of the Eswatini Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), Lungile Shongwe, and NERCHA Chairperson and Ambassador-at-Large, Njabuliso Gwebu.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula received the donations on behalf of the government, noting that the Global Fund has been a long-standing partner in Eswatini’s fight against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria since 2002, with total investments reaching US$377 million (approximately E6.3 billion).
The new fleet includes eight ambulances for the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Unit, four vehicles for the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTCP),
Minister Mduduzi Matsebula delivering his remarks during the handover.
four for the Rural Health Motivators Programme (RHMP), one for the Eswatini National AIDS Programme (ENAP),
two for the Strategic Information Department (SID), and four for the Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit (SRHU). The 30 laptops will be distributed to RHMP (5), ENAP (21), and SID (4).
Minister Matsebula also revealed that the Ministry is expecting additional support through the grant, including eight more ambulances, specialised vehicles for the Central Medical Stores, a mobile clinic for the TB programme, and medical waste management trucks for the Environmental Health Department.
He stressed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of stewardship and ensuring value for money, stating,
“We are committed to meeting all grant management actions prescribed by the Global Fund to ensure the optimal safety, security, and effective utilisation of these resources.”
He further acknowledged that the laptops will support the rollout of the Client
Management Information System (CMIS) as part of the broader Health Management Information System (HMIS) strategy.
Furthermore, Matsebula extended gratitude to the CCM, NERCHA, and all Ministry programmes for their tireless dedication,
saying their collaboration ensures the effective implementation of the grant and enhances healthcare delivery for the people of Eswatini.
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