Africa-Press – Eswatini. Botswana’s president has sidelined his mines minister, Bogolo Kenewendo, to himself conduct negotiations with Angola and Oman aimed at creating a consortium to buy Anglo American’s 85% stake in the diamond giant. […]
A formal dinner at Protea Masa Hotel marked the launch of the Multi Country Pandemic Fund. The gathering brought together healthcare professionals, stakeholders and representatives from partner countries. The goal was to recognize a new phase of coordinated action that strengthens readiness for future health threats.
The Minister of Health, Honourable Edwin Dikoloti, stressed the need for preparation. He noted that the country must build strong systems and maintain strategic relationships with global agencies. He pointed to the value of early action during health emergencies. He explained that partnerships support faster responses during outbreaks.
Dr Fabian Ndenzako, the WHO Representative to Botswana and SADC, outlined the reason behind the fund. He stated that COVID 19 exposed weak laboratory capacity in many countries. He added that the pandemic revealed gaps in surveillance and response tools. He explained that the fund aims to close these gaps by improving research capability, skills and infrastructure.
The dinner created room for direct exchanges on pandemic planning. Participants discussed ways to strengthen data sharing across borders. They explored opportunities for joint research that can improve detection of emerging threats. They raised the need for equipment that supports diagnostic accuracy. They also stressed the value of sustained investment in public health institutions.
Country partners shared their areas of focus. Some prioritized laboratory upgrades. Others emphasized training for rapid response teams. Several highlighted the importance of regional collaboration. They noted that coordinated strategies reduce delays during cross border outbreaks.
The event also allowed healthcare leaders to outline projects that can benefit from the fund. These included digital surveillance tools, community health worker training and early warning systems. Participants viewed these areas as essential for preparedness.
A potentially devastating fire incident at Mankayane Government Hospital was narrowly avoided after the Eswatini National Fire and Rescue Services responded swiftly and successfully contained a blaze that broke out in the male medical ward.
The fire, which erupted earlier today, prompted an immediate emergency response as hospital staff and rescue teams worked together to ensure the safety of patients and personnel.
According to reliable sources, more than 12 patients were admitted in the affected ward at the time of the incident. All patients were quickly evacuated and moved to safety before the situation could escalate.
Eyewitnesses described moments of tension as smoke filled the ward, but calm coordination by hospital workers helped prevent panic.
Patients were escorted outside the building while emergency procedures were activated. Their swift action is credited with saving lives and minimising injuries.
The Eswatini National Fire and Rescue Services arrived promptly after being alerted and immediately began firefighting operations.
Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control within a short period, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent hospital wards and other critical areas of the facility.
ENFRES Public Relations Officer Mandla Dlamini confirmed the incident and praised the rapid response by firefighters and hospital staff.
He said the situation could have resulted in one of the country’s most tragic hospital disasters had it not been for the timely intervention.
“We can confirm that our teams responded promptly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread further. There were no fatalities reported and no injuries to patients or staff,” Dlamini said.
He further confirmed that only the male medical ward was affected by the fire, while other sections of the hospital remained operational. The extent of the damage is still being assessed by relevant authorities.
According to Dlamini, investigations are currently under way to establish the cause of the fire. He said ENFRES specialists are working closely with hospital management and other stakeholders to determine how the blaze started and whether safety systems functioned as expected.
“At this stage investigations are ongoing. Once completed, we will be able to provide a clearer picture of what led to the incident,” he said.
The evening closed with firm commitments from represented institutions. Each expressed readiness to support the fund and strengthen resilience. The dinner marked a meaningful close to a milestone launch.
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