Africa-Press – Eswatini. EmaSwati demonstrated ‘nkwe’ as Prime Minister Mmiso Russell Dlamini launched the highly-anticipated Lenacapavir.
Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent HIV/AIDS. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the arm, thigh or stomach, typically given every six months. The medication functions by disrupting the HIV virus at multiple stages, thereby undermining its ability to replicate. It is recognised for its effectiveness in providing protection against HIV infections when administered as recommended.
The launch of the vaccine, provided by the United States of America to the country, was coupled with the commemoration of World AIDS Day at Hhukwini Sport Ground yesterday.
While the public awaited the official launch of the medication, some individuals camped at the clinic to receive the first dose. The nation was eager for the initial injection, with many voluntarily testing for HIV beforehand and proceeding to the clinic without coercion. Worth noting is that the vaccine is only administered to HIV negative people with the aim of preventing new infections.
Dr Philile Shongwe, who led the vaccination team, informed the prime minister that emaSwati were already queuing at the clinic for the vaccine. She explained that the voluntary HIV tests were conducted for approval purposes, as the vaccine was only offered to those who tested negative.
“They are already queuing at the clinic, but it will not be possible to oversee the vaccination process directly, as the injections are administered at confidential locations around the stomach and thighs. As the ministry, we uphold patients’ privacy,” she stated before the premier handed over the vaccine to the vaccination team.
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Let’s tell truth as it is – PM
HHUKWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has stressed the need to tell the truth as it is to effectively combat HIV/AIDS.
Addressing the nation at the commemoration of World AIDS Day at Hhukwini Sports Ground yesterday, the premier called on the country to unite in supporting children and to be honest with them about their wrongdoings in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The commemoration of the World AIDS Day saw emaSwati and different companies gathered at the sports ground for different services.
Dlamini based his remarks on statistics which revealed that, in the Hhohho Region, 21 per cent of people aged between 15 and 49 are HIV positive. The data showed that 24 per cent of individuals aged 15 and above are living with HIV, with women constituting 24 per cent and men 19 per cent.
Among the youth aged between 15 and 24, 5.69 per cent are HIV positive.
In addition to these statistics, a survey conducted during the lead-up to World AIDS Day revealed that Hhukwini was troubled by teenage pregnancy and a surge in gender-based violence.
Dlamini stated that these figures reflect that children are engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, which results in pregnancy and increases the risk of contracting HIV. He described this as a concerning behaviour among teenagers.
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HIV/AIDS battle not won yet – PM
HHUKWINI – Prime Minister Mmiso Russell Dlamini has stated that it is not yet time to celebrate success in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dlamini noted that, although the country has made progress – being the first in the region to have its people aware of their HIV status, access treatment and suppress the virus – this does not mean the battle has been won.
His comments were based on statistics shared by NERCHA Director Dr Nondumiso Ncube. The data revealed that approximately 4 000 new HIV infections are recorded annually, and over 2 800 people die from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses each year.
The statistics also indicated that 35 000 adults are on HIV treatment, while the number of children receiving treatment stands at 1 221.
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Mbabane East MP Welcome smells rat
HHUKWINI – Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has warned against rich people seeking to buy Lenacapavir from the health workers to the detriment of the poor.
Dlamini, who has a background in journalism and has worked in newsrooms, stated that he had been informed the vaccine is highly-anticipated, given that there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS. He expressed concern that some wealthy individuals are planning to queue with money, intending to purchase the vaccine fraudulently, thereby disadvantaging the poor.
“May I appeal for transparency and accountability as the ministry rolls out the vaccine. It should be available to all. We do not want a situation, where an audit reveals that some deserving people missed out on the vaccine because it was bought fraudulently by the rich,” he said.
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MP appeals for new clinic
HHUKWINI – Hhukwini Member of Parliament (MP) Alec Lushaba, has appealed to government to construct a clinic between KaSiko and Sitseni to improve residents’ access to medication.
Represented by Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, Lushaba shared this concern with residents of the two areas, who stated that they travel over 14 kilometres to Hhukwini to access services at Hhukwini Clinic. Lushaba emphasised that building a clinic between the two locations could significantly ease the lives of the residents.
The residents also highlighted the need for the construction of the probase road to enhance network connectivity, as emaSwati frequently travel across the country, including to Hhukwini, for healthcare services.
It is worth noting that many stakeholders present at the event had a poor experience due to the slippery road leading to the venue.
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