Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has made major strides in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), spending over E38 239 283 million under the Fleming Fund Country Grant Phase II to upgrade laboratories, train personnel, and boost nationwide surveillance.
This was revealed by Dr Ruben Sahabo, ICAP Country Director, during the Close-Out Breakfast Meeting of the project on Friday, December 19, 2025. The project began in February 2024 and concludes on December 31, 2025.
Dr. Sahabo said, “This grant has transformed our capacity to detect and respond to AMR. The investments were put to work immediately, strengthening laboratories, procuring equipment, and building skills across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.”
Breakdown of the over E38 million investment:
Laboratory renovations: E1 127 695.63 for four facilities, including Pigg’s Peak and Mankayane hospitals, the Water Laboratory of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, and the Crop Laboratory at Malkerns Research Station.
Laboratory equipment: E3 184 658.59 for the newly added laboratories.
Reagents, consumables, and maintenance: E6 886 505.10 for all ten sentinel sites.
Capacity building: E2 131 831.90 for training workshops and human resource development.
Sample transportation: E845 829.79 for a customized vehicle donated to the Water Laboratory to support nationwide sample collection.
UNESWA collaboration: E2 066 942.50 for the Sheep Blood Collection Centre and renovation of the biology laboratory at Luyengo Campus.
Dr. Ruben Sahabo praised the leadership of the AMR Coordinating Committee (AMRCC), noting, “The strong coordination across the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Energy has been critical. The support from WHO, FAO, and other partners ensured these funds were used effectively.”
He also acknowledged UNESWA for sustaining surveillance and strengthening training: “Developing an AMR curriculum ensures that these achievements continue through future generations of health and veterinary professionals.”
Dr. Sahabo emphasized continued collaboration, saying, “AMR is not a one-sector problem. Each of us policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, veterinarians, farmers, and consumers, has a role to play in safeguarding antimicrobials for future generations.”
The project has already delivered tangible results: strengthened laboratory systems, improved surveillance coordination, better use of data for decision-making, and increased national dialogue on AMR as a public health and development priority.
Through these strategic investments, Eswatini has not only enhanced its technical capacity but also built lasting institutional frameworks and partnerships to keep AMR high on the national agenda.
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