Geneva – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has met with the leadership of The Global Fund at its headquarters in Geneva to reaffirm the partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and one of its most valued development partners.
On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government and the people of Eswatini, the Prime Minister conveyed appreciation for The Global Fund’s continued confidence in the country and its sustained investment in strengthening the national health system.
The discussions reflected on the impact of the partnership. Through the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and other strategic investments, Eswatini has strengthened its ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies. The country has modernised the Lubombo Referral Laboratory, expanded national medical oxygen production and distribution, invested in renewable energy for health facilities, established the National Medical Waste Management Facility, and accelerated the digital transformation of its health system through improved information, laboratory and pharmaceutical supply chain systems.
The Prime Minister also welcomed The Global Fund’s support in transforming the Central Medical Stores into the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency, a reform that will strengthen governance, accountability and the efficient management of essential medical supplies.
The meeting was used to share Eswatini’s long-term vision of positioning the country as a destination for medical tourism under the Grand Plan for National Transformation. The Prime Minister noted that The Global Fund’s strategic investments in strengthening the health system have laid a solid foundation for turning this vision into reality.
The Global Fund’s Head of Grant Management, Mr. Mark Edington, commended Eswatini for the progress made in strengthening its health systems and in responding to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. He expressed confidence that Eswatini’s experience can inspire and motivate other countries to accelerate their own health sector reforms.
The Prime Minister thanked The Global Fund for its partnership and said the country looks forward to strengthening the collaboration for the benefit of emaSwati.
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