Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Agriculture held a candlelight ceremony at its Manzini offices to mark World AIDS Day 2025, bringing together government officials, development partners, and media representatives.
The event was held under the theme “Eswatini Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response” and aimed to promote solidarity, break stigma, and encourage a collective national response to HIV and AIDS.
The ceremony was led by Vincent Dlamini, the Ministry’s Under Secretary, representing the Honourable Minister of Agriculture. Dlamini highlighted Eswatini’s achievements in the fight against HIV, including reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 treatment targets ten years ahead of the 2030 global goal, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as new infections, reduced global funding, and ensuring that services reach all citizens.
Dlamini praised the Ministry’s Wellness Corner for supporting employees’ health and productivity and encouraged staff to engage in HIV and health-related initiatives year-round. “Through love and solidarity, we ignite a path of support, understanding, and acceptance for individuals and communities impacted by HIV,” he said.
Hhohho Regional Coordinator Christopher Maliba described the ceremony as a platform to recommit to Eswatini’s HIV response, particularly amid disruptions caused by funding cuts. He urged stakeholders to implement the National HIV Strategic Framework 2024–2028, which focuses on removing structural barriers, enhancing social support, and ensuring resilient and sustainable HIV interventions.
Sandile Mweli, Director of the Public Sector HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (PSHACC), emphasized the human dimension of the HIV epidemic. He highlighted the impact of stigma, discrimination, and mental health challenges on people living with HIV (PLHIV) and called for workplaces and communities to prioritize empathy, confidentiality, and mental wellbeing alongside medical care.
The Ministry concluded by inviting all employees and partners to the main World AIDS Day commemoration on 1 December 2025 at Hhukwini Inkhundla in the Hhohho region. The event underscored the importance of collective action, reminding all that progress against HIV requires both medical and social interventions.
The ceremony reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to a future where no child is born with HIV, no life is lost to AIDS, and people living with HIV can thrive in a supportive, stigma-free environment.
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