Humanitarian Partners Gather for the Third Meeting on Eswatini's COVID-19 Response

During the month of May, the UN in Eswatini and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) convened the second and third Humanitarian Partners Meetings in response to COVID-19. Both meetings were held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, one on Tuesday, the 6th of May, and the other one on Friday the 22nd of May, during which the country’s humanitarian partners gathered to further develop Eswatini's COVID-19 reponse, in an effort to ensure that no one is left behind. 

The Humanitarian Partners Meeting took place at a time when COVID-19 continues to engulf the world with over 5.5 million cases worldwide and 350,000 deaths. In addition, Eswatini saw a stark rise in cases during the month of May, with present figures standing at 261 confirmed cases and two deaths.

During both meetings, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, emphasized the importance of working together during these trying times while stating: “Solidarity, prevention, social mobilization, good coordination, and innovative partnerships are key to preventing any further spread and the devastation of COVID-19. As we seek to develop a collective, integrated and coherent Humanitarian Response to COVID-19, it is with strength, resolve and renewed commitment that we gather: knowing that, together, we will win that race against coronavirus whilst ensuring that no one is left behind in our individual and collective efforts.”

To enhance coordination, reporting/sharing of information, transparency and accountability among partners on the one hand and with the Government on the other hand, in addition to identifying gaps or duplications, the UN shared a new mapping tool named ‘4 W’, developed by OCHA. The UN Resident Coordinator stated in this regard: “We are here today, in solidarity, to enhance the coordination of our response, to improve prioritization and reduce duplications while ensuring that assistance and protection are provided to those who need them the most. To enhance our coordination, the UN will be honored to share with you, the OCHA 4W Mapping Tool: an online tool that maps the geographical presence of partners by sector and provides a graphical analysis of the number and type of partners in each sector.”

Partners were also presented with updates from NDMA and individual sectors including Social Protection and Education. The Ministry of Health and WHO shared COVID-19 forecasts for Eswatini, whilst members endeavoured to establish the way forward.

The UN is working alongside the Government and partners to intensify communications on COVID-19 prevention measures and encourage EmaSwati to take heed of these important measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The COVID-19 Social Mobilisation and Public Awareness Campaign, through which volunteers are reaching the most vulnerable people in areas at highest risk of contracting COVID-19, was also highlighted in the meetings.