The Right Honourable Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has launched Eswatini’s World AIDS Day 2025 commemorations under the theme “Eswatini Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The launch took place earlier this week, signalling the start of nationwide awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister called for stronger national ownership and domestic funding of HIV programmes, warning that international funding cuts could reverse years of progress in the country’s HIV response. He said the launch marks a renewed movement of hope and solidarity, with a clear goal to end AIDS in Eswatini by 2030.
Prime Minister Dlamini urged a focus on HIV prevention to reduce new infections and reminded the nation that despite the country’s progress, the fight against HIV is far from over.
The launch drew a broad range of participants, including the Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, UN representatives, country directors of development partners, private sector actors, civil society, uniformed forces, and people living with HIV.
A panel discussion at the launch examined this year’s theme in the context of recent disruptions to HIV prevention programmes and community-led initiatives caused by funding shortfalls. The event concluded with the Prime Minister leading a candlelight ceremony to honour those who have died from HIV and AIDS and to show solidarity with those living with the virus.
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