Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, on the Contributions of the UN Development System Support (UNDS) to the COVID-19 National Response and Efforts

Excellencies,

Members of Parliament (including Chairperson of the UN Portfolio Committee)

Members of the Resource Mobilization Committee

Distinguished partners

Colleagues from the UN Development System

Representatives of the Media

Ladies and gentlemen,

The COVID-19 outbreak is an unprecedented event in modern human history, requiring the United Nations System to work as One UN to support all countries around the work in close partnerships with national authorities and a wide range of partners from the development cooperation sector, the private sector, civil society, academia, the media, communities and individuals.

As advised by the UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres, our UN support focusses primarily on three critical areas of action: 1) Tackle the health emergency; 2) Address and mitigate the socio economic and humanitarian impacts of the pandemic; and 3) Put in place the mechanisms to recover better from COVID-19.

The UN in Eswatini has been a trusted partner to the Government and the people of Eswatini for more than 50 years. We have 9 resident agencies, funds and programmes, including WHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA, FAO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNESCO and UNDSS, along with specialized agencies such as IOM and non-resident entities such as ILO and others, which have in-country programmes and  projects. Members of the UN System sit in almost all platforms (e.g. clusters, subcommittees, committees, task forces, groups etc.) that exist at the technical and the strategic level under the overall direction of the National Emergency Management Committee chaired by Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister. Our support to national authorities since February 2020 has focused on providing technical capacity and resources to respond to the crisis and ensuring a humanitarian response to mitigate impacts such as food insecurity.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The pandemic is affecting more severely older persons, persons with weaker immune systems, persons with chronic illness, as they are more likely to experience severe and acute symptoms from COVID-19. We need an all-out response to save their lives and protect their future.

The crisis is also having a substantial impact on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, child and women headed families, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs), and poor persons in rural areas who may not have access to COVID-19 assistance. While women are playing a major role in responding to the virus, including as frontline healthcare workers, care-takers at home and leaders in their communities, women are also harder hit by the impacts of COVID-19. In addition to being deprived of job opportunities or revenue generation through small business in markets, in private residences and elsewhere, they also experience heightened exposure to sexual and domestic violence. 

As we still improve plans and strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Eswatini, we need to reduce the impact of the crisis on women and girls, and vulnerable groups who are at great risk of being left further behind. Expertise must be built into response teams and public health messaging targeting those groups and addressing their very specific needs in light of the vulnerabilities they present. As the UN, we are calling for a people-centered response that engages communities affected by COVID-19, respects human rights and inclusion, gender equality and dignity for all.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

As we commemorated World Health Day on Tuesday, 7 April, our message of profound  respect, praise and utmost gratitude goes to all medical personnel and researchers, and in particular our nurses and midwives, who 24/7, professionally, humanely and very bravely accompany us – from birth to death – in this journey called life, with turbulences such as COVID-19, Ebola, HIV&AIDS and other health pandemics. We salute all of them for their commitment and bravery.

We are all in this together and must work together now to set the stage for a recovery that builds a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable economy, guided by our shared promise — the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our commitment continues to be guided by the 5 Ps: People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity and Partnerships. These principles are even more relevant and critical in our efforts to address the global crisis brought by the pandemic.

It is therefore with utmost humility and profound solidarity that I present the consolidated contribution of the UN Development System to the Government and the people of Eswatini at such a difficult time when we are confronted with the most challenging crisis the world has ever faced since the Second World War.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Altogether, we are presenting a UN Eswatini consolidated offer of support to the COVID-19 response efforts of the Government and partners, amounting approximately  USD 2,451,200. Through resource mobilization and the reprogramming / reprioritization of funds, programmes, interventions, activities and other commitments with various line ministries, to date, the United Nations in Eswatini – working and delivering as ONE UN - has mobilized this amount equivalent to approximately E 44,905,739 to cover primarily:  coordination, prevention and risk communication, technical assistance, the procurement of essential medical and pharmaceutical supplies and equipment, along with nutrition and the distribution of food items. These amounts are being disbursed in line with Eswatini COVID-19 national strategy, plans and assessment needs, and in consultation with concerned subcommittees and line ministries. 

In addition, through UNFPA’s efforts and generosity, we are humbly donating today: 500 disposable coveralls, 1000 disposable long-sleeved gowns, 500 disposable aprons, 5000 disposable surgical face masks and 650 N95 face masks of a total value amounting E 220,000.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We are in a race against time and we need stop the spread of this virus as efficiently and as quickly as possible. Every person has a role to play to protect lives and stop the virus. By following WHO’s advice – physical distancing, washing your hands frequently, practicing cough etiquette, isolating if you have symptoms – your individual acts will have a direct impact on ending the pandemic.

Together we must ensure that the economy and the people we serve emerge stronger from this crisis.  We must keep our promises for the people and our planet. Together, we must ensure that lessons are learned and that this crisis provides a watershed moment for investment in the future in critical 21st century public services.

I thank You.