Africa-Press – Eswatini. Inkhosikati Make LaNkambule officially launched the Eswatini Childhood Cancer Foundation during a dignified ceremony held at Royal Villas in Ezulwini on February 12, 2026.
The Inkhosikati was represented by Her Royal Highness Princess Buhlebetive, who delivered the keynote address on her behalf and conveyed her patronage and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of EmaSwati children.
Inkhosikati Make LaNkambule described the occasion as the beginning of “a journey of hope, compassion and collective responsibility,” stressing that no child in the Kingdom of Eswatini should face cancer alone.
She said the establishment of the Foundation marked a national commitment to ensure that every child diagnosed with cancer is seen, supported and afforded dignified care and hope.
“Today is not merely the establishment of an institution, but the inauguration of a national commitment grounded in purposeful action,” she said in the speech read on her behalf.
A Growing Public Health Concern
Childhood cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, with an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents diagnosed worldwide each year. Survival rates in high-income countries exceed 80 percent due to early diagnosis and advanced treatment, while in low- and middle-income countries survival remains below 30 percent.
In Eswatini, more than 400 children have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer since 2016, with many cases detected at advanced stages. Late presentation is often linked to limited awareness, delayed referral systems and healthcare constraints.
The Inkhosikati emphasised that these disparities must not determine a child’s chance of survival.
“We refuse to accept that a child’s survival should be determined by geography rather than medical possibility,” the message read.
Three-Pillar Mandate
The Foundation’s mission is anchored on three pillars: awareness and early detection, access to quality care, and support and survivorship.
On awareness, the speech highlighted the need to empower parents, teachers, communities and frontline healthcare workers to recognise early warning signs and ensure prompt referral.
The second pillar focuses on strengthening access to timely and effective child-centred treatment through partnerships, improved clinical capacity and consistent availability of essential medicines and diagnostics.
The third pillar centres on long-term survivorship care, including psychosocial, emotional and economic support for children and their families.
“This is a national responsibility – lena yindzaba yetfu sonkhe,” she stated.
Ministry Reaffirms Support
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Health Deputy Director Clinical Services Dr Bongiwe Malinga described the launch as a historic milestone in addressing childhood cancer.
She said the Ministry remained committed to strengthening early detection and referral systems, improving access to cancer treatment services and enhancing healthcare worker capacity.
“It is our dream to establish paediatric oncology services in Eswatini and ensure children undergoing treatment continue their education through dedicated learning corners in treatment centres,” she said.
Dr Malinga stressed that the Foundation complements government efforts through awareness, advocacy, resource mobilisation and psychosocial support.
“This is not duplication it is collaboration,” she said.
In concluding remarks delivered on her behalf, Inkhosikati LaNkambule called upon stakeholders to support the Foundation through partnerships, volunteering, advocacy and resource mobilisation.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders, reflecting broad national support for the initiative.
