Matsapha – Inkhosikati Make LaNgangaza has urged Swazis to take shared responsibility in expanding palliative care, citing the growing burden of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV. She spoke on Thursday, 6 November 2025, during Eswatini’s commemoration of Hospice and Palliative Care Day, held under the global theme: ‘Achieving the promise: universal access to palliative care.’
The Inkhosikati called for palliative care to move beyond the efforts of a single organisation, the Eswatini Hospice at Home. She described access to such care as a basic right for anyone facing chronic, life-limiting, or terminal conditions.
“Palliative care represents the essence of humanity in healthcare,” she said. “Every person, regardless of age, condition, or circumstance, deserves dignity, comfort, and compassion.” She stressed that as the demand for palliative services grows, achieving universal access requires the involvement of government, communities, health professionals, and civil society.
Inkhosikati Make also called for outreach to rural and underserved areas, strengthening partnerships, and building the capacity of nurses, caregivers, and volunteers who provide home-based care. She urged innovative approaches to funding and resource mobilisation to ensure affordability and prevent the cost of care from becoming a barrier.
“Our collective investment in hospice and palliative care is an investment in the psychological wellbeing of our people,” she said, urging a compassionate approach to healthcare that leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Inkhosikati announced a fundraising dinner in early 2026 to mark the 35th anniversary of Eswatini Hospice at Home. The event aims to attract support from individuals, organisations, and the private sector to ensure the sustainability and growth of palliative care services in the country.
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