Launch of the National Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework (NSF) 2024-2028

Allow me to begin by acknowledging the Honourable Prime Minister, H.E Russell Dlamini, for his presence, leadership and support. 

Thank you and congratulations to the Minister of Health, NERCHA and all the partners that have worked hard to get us to the launch of the NSF today.

I also extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Dr. Nondumiso Ginindza-Ncube, the recently appointed as the National Executive Director of NERCHA. 

Additionally, I welcome Mr. Nuha Ceesay, the new Country Director for UNAIDS and thank Betru Woldesamayat who has so ably held down the fort since the departure of Ms. Rose Craigue.

Congratulating Eswatini on Past Achievements

Previous speakers have highlighted the success that Eswatini has achieved in relation to the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat, and it would be remiss of me not to applaud the efforts of His Majesty’s Government, all EmaSwati, development partners, and people living with HIV, in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Indeed, by achieving the targets in advance of the 2025 target date, Eswatini is demonstrating and providing evidence of the effectiveness of the country’s HIV programmes. 

We must continue to celebrate the gains we have made and guard them jealously. 

Acknowledging the leadership and Partnerships that Brought Our Success

In celebrating our gains, we must continue to remind ourselves what it is that we did well that got us to the success we see today – lessons about community engagement; lessons about fighting stigma, lessons about investments at scale; lessons about national and global partnerships; lessons about leadership, including the famous call by His Majesty, that  fighting AIDS was Yindzaba yetfu sonkhe.

The success is the story of strong leadership meeting strong partnerships. 

First, Eswatini has had an enduring partnership with the Global Fund which has invested over US$265 million over the years to support interventions on HIV, TB, and Malaria. 

Second, other strong partners have included PEPFAR, the European Union, and the United Nations and a host of health-focused NGOs. All these have contributed to Eswatini’s response to HIV and in improving health systems and health outcomes for all emaSwati.

In addition, Eswatini has also contributed to the Global Fund, with His Majesty King Mswati III pledging US$6 million at the 7th Replenishment Summit in France in 2022, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to global health solidarity. 

The Journey Ahead

As we celebrate the successes, we must recognize there are still areas that require our collective attention and use our gains as lessons to guide us in the task of defeating HIV-AIDS as a public health threat. 

The recently published 2024 Global AIDS Update report gives us a good indication of where we must continue to focus our attention. The report, titled, The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads, reminds us not to be complacent with our gains until the battle is fully won. 

Among other things, the report highlights:

Stagnation in Global Progress: The report highlights that global progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths has stagnated. Despite significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the rates of new infections and deaths have not significantly decreased in recent years.

Increasing Inequities: There is a growing disparity in HIV/AIDS outcomes across different regions and populations. Key populations, such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, and LGBTQ+ individuals, continue to face higher rates of HIV and reduced access to necessary services.

Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS, disrupting services and supply chains, and negatively impacting the progress made in HIV prevention and treatment.

The report makes recommendations that we should take note of and localise in our efforts, including:

Prioritize Key Populations: Focus efforts on improving access to prevention, treatment, and support services for key populations who are disproportionately affected by HIV. This includes addressing stigma and discrimination to ensure these groups receive equitable care.

Strengthen Health Systems: Invest in and strengthen health systems to ensure they are resilient and capable of maintaining essential HIV/AIDS services even during crises like pandemics. This includes improving health infrastructure and ensuring a steady supply of medications and other resources.

Increase global and national funding, cooperation and partnerships to support for HIV/AIDS programmes. 

Conclusion

As I conclude, I wish to highlight a few key messages:

1. The success of the National HIV Strategic Framework 2024-2028 depends not only on health interventions but also on addressing the social determinants of health that drive the epidemic. Poverty, gender inequality, violence against women and girls, and stigma are powerful barriers that hinder access to HIV services and exacerbate vulnerability to infection. 
2. Evidence-based approaches that address these underlying factors—such as economic empowerment initiatives, gender-sensitive programming, and anti-stigma campaigns—are crucial for creating an enabling environment where all individuals can access the care they need. The framework's focus on these issues is a testament to Eswatini's commitment to a holistic and inclusive HIV response.
3. We must not forget things that we already know that we must do to arrest new infections. In the past, we have launched several campaigns that we must keep alive: Campaigns about keeping girls in school; campaigns about eliminating child and early pregnancies; campaigns to address any cultural norms that may hinder our fight against HIV; and campaigns to educate and discourage what I have previously called OMG!: Old Men Having sex with Girls.

As we embark on the implementation of the NSF 2024-2028, let us remain committed to the principles of inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. Together, we can build a future where HIV is no longer a threat to the health and well-being of emaSwati. 

And, in the United Nations, you have an enduring partner.

I thank you.