Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the festive season sparks travel and holiday celebrations, the Ministry of Health has been strengthened with a donation of antimalarial medicines worth E500 000 from the End Malaria Fund (EMF).
The handover took place at Central Medical Stores, Matsapha, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, ensuring the country is well-prepared to protect citizens against malaria during this peak period.
Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, received the donation together with Central Medical Stores management and staff, expressing gratitude for the support. “It is with profound gratitude to be here today to receive this generous donation of antimalarial medicines Malarone and Artesunate injectable,” said Matsebula.
He emphasized the significance of the medicines: “Malarone is a vital drug that helps to prevent malaria, particularly for those traveling to malaria-endemic areas. Artesunate injectable is a life-saving treatment used to manage severe malaria cases. These medicines will ensure equitable access for all communities,” he added, noting that the drugs will be distributed to health facilities nationwide.
Minister Mduduzi Matsebula praised the End Malaria Fund and its partners for their continued support. “When His Majesty the Ingwenyama established the Fund in 2019, his vision was for it to support government efforts to achieve malaria elimination. It is pleasing to see that the Fund continues to follow this directive from the throne,” he said.
Sharing the latest malaria figures Minister reported that from July 2025 to date, 47 confirmed cases of malaria have been recorded, of which 28 are locally transmitted and 19 imported, and importantly, there have been no deaths this season.
“The absence of deaths this year is testament to the effectiveness of our interventions and the dedication of our health teams throughout the country,” Matsebula added.
End Malaria Fund Board representative, Steven Mthethwa, commended the Ministry’s efforts, noting the importance of public cooperation. “Behavioural change towards malaria is crucial for the attainment and sustainability of elimination,” Mthethwa said, urging travellers to seek malaria prophylaxis before visiting endemic areas.
Steven Mthethwa also highlighted the importance of country-led funding in the face of declining global donor support. “This year has been particularly tough in resource mobilization, with the Global Fund’s replenishment falling short of its $18 billion target. Funding models such as the EMF, which are country-led and country-owned, are crucial in determining health outcomes,” he said.
Both leaders reminded the public to remain vigilant during the festive season. “As citizens travel during this period, it is vital to protect ourselves and others from malaria by taking the required medicines and seeking treatment promptly if symptoms appear,” Minister Matsebula advised.
The donation comes at a critical time, reinforcing the Ministry of Health’s push toward achieving the national goal of malaria elimination by 2028.
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