Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini will require an estimated E6.53 million to sustain its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) interventions in 2026, according to the Chairperson of the Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee (AMRCC), Dr Bavukile Kunene.
Dr Kunene revealed this while presenting the country’s sector sustainability plans and economic analysis during the Fleming Fund Country Grant close-out meeting held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane.
“Next year, E6 526 608.49 is required to ensure that the progress we have made in containing antimicrobial resistance is not lost,” Dr Kunene said. “This funding will support the human, animal, plant and environmental health sectors, ensuring that Eswatini remains vigilant in the fight against AMR.”
He explained that the largest share of the proposed budget, amounting to E5 894 808, will be allocated to surveillance and research. This will primarily cover laboratory reagents, consumables and the maintenance of essential equipment, which are critical for the early detection and monitoring of resistant pathogens.
Additional allocations include E287 500 for public awareness campaigns and training initiatives, E306 000 for infection prevention and control measures, and E38 300 earmarked for governance and sustainable investment activities. Dr Kunene noted that AMR stewardship activities are already integrated into routine sector operations and will not require additional funding.
The proposed budget has been distributed across key ministries in line with their respective mandates. The Ministry of Health is expected to receive E4 647 446, while the Ministry of Agriculture will be allocated E1 069 917. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is set to receive E737 747, with E71 500 reserved for cross-cutting collaborative work coordinated through the AMRCC.
Dr Kunene also highlighted progress on the draft National AMR Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030. The strategy focuses on six key objectives, including improving public awareness and understanding of AMR, strengthening diagnostic networks, promoting infection prevention and control, ensuring equitable and responsible use of antimicrobials, encouraging sustainable investment in research, and strengthening multisectoral governance.
“Our next step is to finalise the strategy and develop a fully costed implementation plan to guide action over the next five years,” he said.
The meeting further discussed the Sheep Blood Collection Centre at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), which was previously supported by the Fleming Fund. Dr Kunene explained that a memorandum of agreement signed in August 2022 between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and UNESWA provided for the supply of sheep blood to sentinel sites at a nominal fee of E750 per bag. However, the arrangement was not operationalised while Fleming Fund support continued to cover costs.
“Going forward, costs recovered from blood sales, sheep and wool will be used to maintain operations,” he said, adding that the agreement is due for revision and will include the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
Dr Kunene also emphasised the importance of the national AMR data platform and data-sharing governance framework, noting that reliable and shared data is essential for coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
With Fleming Fund support coming to an end, the AMRCC has urged ministries to allocate budgets in line with the cost analysis to ensure continuity. “Sustained funding is critical to safeguarding health security, food systems and long-term development outcomes in Eswatini,” he concluded.
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