Africa-Press – Eswatini. The National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with Parliament to build an inclusive, equitable, and resilient national HIV response.
This was highlighted by Bongani Masango, who represented NERCHA’s National Executive Director, Dr. Nondumiso Nqube, during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2025.
“While Eswatini has made significant progress in the HIV response, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing health information, HIV services, and social protection,” Masango said. “These challenges are not due to disability itself, but result from issues of accessibility, stigma, and services that are not fully tailored.”
Bongani Masango emphasized that Parliament plays a pivotal role in shaping systemic change. “Through its legislative and oversight mandate, Parliament ensures that disability-inclusive policies are passed, funded, and implemented across all sectors, including health and HIV,” he explained. “NERCHA values this collaboration because building a transformed HIV response requires joint action and shared responsibility.”
The collaboration aligns with the National Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework (2024–2028). “NERCHA is committed to ensuring that services are accessible to all, whether individuals live with a disability, reside in remote areas, or face social and economic challenges,” Masango added.
“This means stronger referral pathways, inclusive communication materials, and active participation of persons with disabilities in programme planning and implementation.”
He stressed that true transformation requires removing every barrier that limits access to care. “Working with Parliament allows us to strengthen the HIV response and the broader public health system,” Masango said.
Quoting Dr. Nqube, he concluded: “Together with Parliament, we are building an Eswatini where every person, regardless of ability, can live a healthy, dignified, and empowered life.”
NERCHA’s collaboration with Parliament underscores a firm commitment to inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in the national HIV response, ensuring that progress benefits every citizen.
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