MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Dlamini received UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, at the Cabinet Offices on Wednesday, where urgent child welfare issues dominated the conversation.
Kadilli’s visit brought focus to several pressing challenges affecting children in Eswatini. These included the surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, and kidney conditions among children, as well as the troubling rise in HIV infections, particularly among teenage girls.
The discussions also covered Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), a sector the government continues to prioritise within its national development plans. The Prime Minister confirmed that Eswatini is seeking UNICEF’s assistance in crafting a comprehensive programme that targets health, ECCD, education, and vocational training for children and young people.
Kadilli acknowledged the country’s efforts to keep children’s welfare at the centre of national planning and expressed support for further collaboration. Although the global aid landscape remains uncertain, both parties agreed on the need to reinforce existing partnerships to secure the well-being of future generations.
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