Africa-Press – Eswatini. The National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) has commended His Majesty Correctional Services (HMCS) for its strong leadership in providing comprehensive health services to inmates, as the institution marked World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme, “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Speaking at the commemoration held November 25, 2025 at HMCS Headquarters in Mbabane, NERCHA National Executive Director Dr. Nondumiso Nqube acknowledged the critical role of correctional facilities in Eswatini’s national HIV response.
“Correctional facilities interact daily with some of the most vulnerable groups in our society,” Dr. Nqube said. “Your commitment to strengthening linkages between health services within facilities and in the community ensures that inmates have access to HIV testing and treatment, TB screening and treatment, psychosocial support, and continuity of care for those living with HIV. These are not small achievements they directly save lives.”
She highlighted that while significant progress has been made, disruptions remain a challenge. “Delays in accessing health services, shortages of essential commodities, stigma, and interruptions during transitions between the correctional system and the community can hinder effective care. Overcoming these disruptions requires ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV testing, treatment, PrEP and PEP, strengthening management of co-morbidities such as TB, mental health challenges, and substance use, and promoting a stigma-free environment where seeking care is normal and encouraged,” Dr. Nqube explained.
HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini commended the strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health, highlighting the joint efforts to ensure that inmates and Correctional Services Officers receive the health care they need.
Dr. Nqube also emphasised the transformative role of HMCS in shaping healthier, empowered inmates. “Transformation goes beyond service continuity. It means repositioning correctional facilities as centres of rehabilitation, health promotion, and prevention. Inmates should leave the system healthier, more informed, and better equipped to protect themselves and their partners than when they entered,” she said.
The commemoration concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony led by HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, Under Secretary (Administration) in the Ministry of Health Rev. Anthony Masilela, NERCHA National Executive Director Dr. Nondumiso Nqube, UNAIDS Country Director Nuha Ceesay, and other distinguished guests.
The World AIDS Day event highlighted HMCS’s dedication to breaking cycles of vulnerability, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and violence factors that continue to drive new HIV infections both inside and outside correctional facilities.
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