Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has expressed pride in being inoculated for COVID-19 and further disclosed that he is as healthy as he can be.
He was also proud that people present during the recently held Incwala Ceremony were tested while many people took advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated, himself included.
“I am here today proudly inoculated and as healthy as can be. We urge those who still have doubts and fears, to put aside the myths and theories about the vaccines as they are not here to kill, but to give longer life to our nation,” said the King.
His Majesty also noted that the country still has a long way to go in reaching its vaccination target as only 28 per cent of the total population is vaccinated.
He advised that as the nation adapts to the new normal of living side by side with COVID-19, lessons be taken from Incwala on how to ensure safety of participants in large gatherings so that the country can soon get back to normalcy. He warned that COVID-19 is not going anywhere, so there is a need to learn how to live with it.
“Let us also use the Incwala experience at upcoming national activities such as the Buganu Festival and Good Friday, among others. We are now more experienced in preventing infections. We must caution though, that the worst has not passed us. We still need to remain vigilant.”
He also observed that the ceremony was further blessed by the rains that have been falling consistently since Incwala.
The King, on another note, noted that significant investment has been made by government and the country’s development partners in the health sector during the COVID-19 response. In that regard, he greatly appreciated the country’s friends for the valuable support in this sector.
“We also commend the brave and dedicated health care workers for saving many lives that could have been easily lost to COVID-19. We also thank all front-line workers who are in contact with people as they serve the nation for remaining resilient during this time, thus keeping the services in the country running efficiently,” said the King.
Speaking on pursuing the fight against HIV/AIDS, the King noted that despite the prevailing challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic which has been around for two years now, the HIV/AIDS response has been working tirelessly to ensure that the country does not lose on the wonderful gains made so far. He thanked all Emaswati and donor partners, who stood with the country in such difficult times.
“We understand that no one stakeholder could have amassed the required resources to achieve such impressive results.
As we continue with the fight against HIV/AIDS, let us leave no one behind and continue to work collectively. The message for 2022 and beyond is focus on the fight, not the fright – Sibhekene ngco! ne Aids, asiyesabi,” added the King.
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