{"id":6248,"date":"2025-12-02T12:56:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:56:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swazidailynews.com\/?p=6248"},"modified":"2025-12-02T12:56:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:56:52","slug":"eswatini-presses-forward-in-strengthening-hiv-response","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/6248\/business\/eswatini-presses-forward-in-strengthening-hiv-response\/","title":{"rendered":"Eswatini Presses Forward in Strengthening HIV Response"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Thokozani Mazibuko<\/p>\n<p>Eswatini has emphasized its national commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Hhukwini, where Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini encouraged the nation to build on progress and intensify prevention efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister acknowledged the strides the country has made in expanding treatment access, increasing awareness and exceeding the UNAIDS 95\u201395\u201395 targets.<\/p>\n<p>He noted, however, that the latest figures of 4,000 new HIV infections and 2,800 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually serve as a reminder that continued vigilance and proactive action are still necessary.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese numbers remind us that our work is not finished,\u201d he said, urging the nation to continue strengthening prevention, treatment and community support systems.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have made significant progress as a country, and with renewed focus, we can reduce these figures even further.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s commemoration brought together government leaders, health experts, youth representatives and civil society organisations to promote collective responsibility in addressing HIV, particularly among adolescents and young adults.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Dlamini stressed the importance of empowering young people with accurate information, life skills and supportive environments.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur young people must be guided and encouraged to make informed and responsible choices,\u201d he said, highlighting the role of education and mentorship in reducing vulnerability among adolescents.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6254\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6254\" style=\"width: 1340px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6254\" src=\"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/PAGE-3-SUB-LEAD-The-Premier-receiving-the-injectable-PreP-from-Marc-Weinstock-U.S.-Embassy-Eswatini-Deputy-Chief-of-Mission-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1340\" height=\"893\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6254\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Premier receiving the injectable PreP from Marc Weinstock, U.S. Embassy Eswatini Deputy Chief of Mission.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Health experts at the event echoed the Prime Minister\u2019s call for strengthened prevention strategies. Dr. Nomsa Dlamini, Director of NERCHA, noted that while antiretroviral therapy continues to save lives and improve health outcomes, prevention efforts must keep pace.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe must invest equally in prevention and treatment. Education, awareness and behavioural change remain essential pillars of the national response,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>The event also showcased community-driven approaches that are making a difference on the ground. Youth-friendly health services, peer support networks, and school-based awareness campaigns were highlighted as effective tools for reducing new infections and expanding access to testing and counselling.<\/p>\n<p>The Prime Minister emphasized that all sectors of society\u2014including families, communities, educators and faith-based organisations\u2014have a role in guiding and supporting young people. \u201cPrevention begins at home and is strengthened in our schools and communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p><strong><div class=\"_df_book df-lite\" id=\"6230\"  data-title=\"\" wpoptions=\"true\" thumbtype=\"\" ><\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>He also made strong emphasis on government\u2019s commitment to scaling up voluntary testing services, strengthening sexual and reproductive health programmes, expanding youth engagement platforms, and deepening partnerships with development agencies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Thokozani Mazibuko Eswatini has emphasized its national commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat during&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,22,24,25,26],"tags":[46,73,58],"class_list":["post-6248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","category-eswatini-daily-news","category-future","category-national","category-swaziland","tag-africa","tag-eswatini","tag-national","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - 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