ESWATINI’S BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19
THE COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to spread at extraordinary speed and causing devastation in its wake.
The Kingdom of Eswatini, along with our neighbours, is unfortunately not immune. However, we are determined to put up a strong fight against this invisible enemy and are doing everything we can to ensure that emaSwati are protected from this virus.
We can’t delude ourselves that we are safe because this virus comes from elsewhere. The increasing number of confirmed cases in the country calls for us to continue to be vigilant and responsible in all our actions.
We are working hand in hand with the World Health Organization, following international best practice and advice to slow the spread of the virus. When we confirmed our first case on March 14, we instituted a nation-wide partial lockdown.
Like many countries, we have been trying to balance the spread of the outbreak with the high economic impact.
As government, we are communicating daily with emaSwati and imploring everyone to follow the rules and guidelines laid down to contain the epidemic as far as possible.
His Majesty King Mswati III has also made a public address on the importance of washing our hands, practising social distancing and adhering to all health measures to limit transmission to save lives.
We have acted swiftly and decisively since the first Covid-19 case in the country was confirmed. All sectors of society have been involved in co-ordinating the response, bringing together a network of stakeholders.
We stopped all social gatherings attracting over 20 people. Important national and religious celebrations were suspended, including the National Easter Services, Army Day and the King’s Birthday celebrations.
We are confronting this crisis with all means at our disposal
The Kingdom of Eswatini relies heavily on the support of our Tinkhudla political system which is crucial to ensuring that our people receive accurate messaging and are supported in adhering to the health guidelines to fight Covid-19.
We are therefore in constant consultation with a number of critical role-players across society, including MPs, regional administrators, chiefs and other traditional leaders.
A major challenge for us, like many developing countries, is the lack of appropriate health equipment and personal protective equipment in particular. To mitigate this, we have approved a preliminary costed procurement plan for the Covid-19 Eswatini National Emergency Response.
We have recruited an additional nine medical doctors, 309 nurses, 55 support staff, 54 paramedics, 32 environmental health officers and 15 laboratory staff. At the same time there is ongoing training with our existing doctors, nurses, paramedics and community health workers on Covid-19 risks and management.
Of grave concern is the high numbers of patients we have with HIV and TB, both serious underlying conditions which, coupled with the increase in hypertensive and diabetic patients could turn this virus from mild to life-threatening. But the world, and our people, can be assured we are confronting this crisis with all means at our disposal and will triumph over it.