UN Eswatini contributes USD 2,4 Million to COVID-19

On 9 March 2020, UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh presented a consolidated contribution towards the COVID-19 response amounting to approximately USD 2,451, 200 (SZL 45 Million).

“The UN in Eswatini has been a trusted partner to the Government and the people of Eswatini for more than 50 years,” stated Ms. Ndongo-Seh at the handover ceremony held Happy Valley Hotel in Ezuwlini where UNFPA also donated Personal Protective Equipment which included 500 disposable coveralls, 1000 disposable long-sleeved gowns, 500 disposable aprons, 5000 disposable surgical face masks and 650 N95 face masks valued at USD 15,000 (SZL 220,000).

The consolidated funds, presented on behalf of all UN Agencies in Eswatini to the COVID-19 Resource Mobilization Committee, will 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. To date, the Resource Mobilization Committee has raised about USD 5 Million (SZL 76 million) from the private sector and development partners, including the UN, and have a target to raise USD 20 Million (SZL 300 Million) by 30 April 2020.

There are 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 the clusters, sub-committees, committees, task forces, groups established in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

 “Since February 2020 our support 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,” she said.

She added: “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 funds and equipment will be disbursed in line with the Eswatini COVID-19 national strategy, plans and assessment needs, and in consultation with concerned subcommittees and line ministries. The UN in Eswatini together with a wide range of partners will continue giving support to national authorities in combating the virus and ensuring that the response is people-centred and adheres to human rights and promotes inclusiveness and gender equality and dignity for all.

“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 considering the vulnerabilities they present,” the UN Resident Coordinator said.

In line with the commemoration of the International Health Day on 7 April, Ms. Ndongo-Seh used the opportunity to honour the contribution of nurses and midwives who, she said, play a crucial role in keeping the world healthy.

 “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.”

Chairman of the Resource Mobilization Committee, Dr. Phil Mnisi, expressed appreciation to the UN for the contribution which he described as significant in addressing the needs of the response to COVID-19. “It is humbling to see the UN agencies and partners standing up and raising such a significant amount and responding to the call that His Majesty directed that resources be mobilized so that the nation can attend and deal with the challenge we are facing of COVID-19.”

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