Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the 76th ECSA-HC Health Ministers’ Conference opened on 03 February, focus turned to the people behind the policies, women, children, and those affected by rising lifestyle diseases, underscoring the need for equitable, inclusive health systems across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Delivering the Prime Minister’s address, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla highlighted the double burden of disease: persistent infectious diseases such as tuberculosis alongside a rapid rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
“A system that leaves people behind is not a strong system,” the Deputy Prime Minister declared. “Equity is not optional; it is the benchmark of progress.”
The summit called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle NCDs, urging collaboration across agriculture, urban planning, health education, and commerce to promote wellness before patients ever reach clinic walls. By integrating prevention with broader development strategies, officials aim to reduce the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases and protect communities long-term.
Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula stressed that equity must guide all interventions, particularly in maternal and child health. “Our goal is to make health services accessible, client-friendly, and truly supportive of those who need them most,” he said.
Delegates also discussed strengthening financial protection to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, which often push families into poverty during medical emergencies, and improving cross-border surveillance to detect and contain infectious diseases before they spread.
With Eswatini hosting the summit, the focus remains on translating regional plans into measurable improvements in the dignity and health of citizens. For leaders gathered, the success of the conference will be judged not by its proceedings, but by the tangible impact on communities across the ECSA region.
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