Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the nation counts down to the National World AIDS Day Commemoration on 1 December, regional commemorations got underway in the Shiselweni region to build momentum and mobilize communities under the theme “Eswatini Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response.
These regional gatherings are not only a prelude to the national observance but also a powerful reminder of the urgent need to reinvigorate the fight against HIV/AIDS amid growing challenges. The Shiselweni regional commemoration, which was held at Ngudzeni Inkhundla was officiated by the Minister of Economic Development and Planning Dr. Tambo Gina.
In his remarks, the minister said as a country, Eswatini continues to be recognized globally for its strong HIV response and for the partnerships that have allowed us to save countless lives.
“However, the fight is not yet over. We are witnessing a changing health landscape where the gains we have made are being tested by multiple challenges; Disruptions in international funding support, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers among people living with HIV, and persistent new HIV infections that remain unacceptably high, especially among adolescents and young people,” pointed out Minister Gina
The Minister said the reality demands that we transform our approach, moving beyond HIV-only programming towards a more integrated and sustainable health system, one that focuses on the whole person, not just the disease
“This regional build-up is not just a ceremonial activity it is a collective call to-action. The voices of Shiselweni have been heard, and they will shape our policy and community interventions going forward,” said the minister
Dr. Gina urged every to continue working hand in hand with government and continue to channel their innovation, compassion, and shared responsibility to protect the gains we have made and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
NERCHA Director Dr. Nondumiso Ncube stated that this year’s World AIDS Day theme is important as it comes at a time when the world is facing challenges that threaten to reverse the gain that the country has made in the HIV response.
The NED said the challenges include funding cuts from development partners, economic challenges, an increase in non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV and the need to integrate health services. She says NERCHA remains committed to playing her coordination role and ensuring that developments partners and stakeholders play their role in the country’s goal on ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The commemoration concluded with a candle lighting ceremony in honour of those who were lost to AIDS and stand with those living with HIV.
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