Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister for Public Service Honourable Mabulala Maseko today November 17,2025 led a candle-lighting ceremony at the Ministry of Public Service offices in Mbabane, in honour of and solidarity with those who have been lost to the AIDS pandemic.
The event, attended by ministry staff members, forms part of Eswatini’s national build-up towards World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on December 1,2025.
The ceremony brought together staff in the Ministry’s boardroom for a moment of reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to supporting the nation’s response to HIV and AIDS. It highlighted both the courage of those affected and the resilience of the public service workforce in sustaining national development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mabulala Maseko praised the country’s progress and resilience in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “Our success has not come without disruptions, and such disruptions have been caused by pandemics, economic shifts, workforce challenges, misinformation, stigma and social barriers,” he said.
“As a Ministry responsible for supporting the health and productivity of the Public Service, we understand that when the workforce is affected, service delivery suffers. Despite these challenges, Eswatini continues to demonstrate that when we are united, we can transform any disruption into progress.”
The Minister also commended the nation for the long and courageous journey in combating HIV, noting that the country has made significant strides in prevention, treatment, and public awareness.
He encouraged all public servants to continue advocating for accurate information, compassion, and unity in their communities. “We honour those we have lost, and we carry forward their memory with renewed commitment,” he said.
The candle-lighting ceremony forms part of a series of national build-up activities ahead of World AIDS Day. On 30 October 2025, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini officially launched the World AIDS Day commemoration at the Royal Swazi Sun in Ezulwini, calling for renewed action in the face of funding cuts and social challenges.
Regional build-up events have since been held across the country. In the Lubombo region, the Prime Minister addressed a gathering at Matsanjeni North, urging a return to abstinence and noting that approximately 4,000 new HIV infections occur each year in Eswatini.
In Shiselweni, a regional World AIDS Day commemoration recently concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony, where NERCHA Director Dr. Nondumiso Ncube called for strengthened partnerships and sustainable, integrated HIV services amid economic and health system disruptions.
As the country moves towards the main national commemoration on December 1, the Ministry remains committed to fostering unity, resilience, and continued action against the AIDS pandemic.
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