AGP Executive Report

Mental Health: Eswatini’s health ministry says the country has Africa’s second-highest reported suicide rate; a 2025 survey found one in four pupils aged 13–17 had attempted suicide more than once. A local psychologist also warned that gambling and financial strain are putting teachers’ wellbeing at risk. Health Security: Eswatini has launched a five-year plan to strengthen readiness for outbreaks and other emergencies, coordinating health, agriculture and animal-health services. Animal Health: South Africa says it has supplied 50,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses to Eswatini, Namibia and Lesotho this year, as regional officials call for joint action. Healthcare Training: A visiting nursing professor provided free life-support training to 127 staff at The Luke Commission, including advanced cardiac training for 43 nurses and doctors.

Teachers’ Wellbeing: A clinical psychologist says financial strain and gambling are putting teachers’ mental health at risk, and calls for better support and financial-literacy education. Regional Disease Control: Eswatini is among countries receiving 50,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses from South Africa this year, as officials stress cross-border cooperation to contain outbreaks. Health Preparedness: Eswatini has launched a 2026–2030 plan to improve coordination and readiness for health emergencies, linking human, animal and environmental health. Youth Mental Health: Health officials told a football-sector workshop that one in four pupils aged 13–17 surveyed had attempted suicide more than once, and urged clubs to help protect young people’s wellbeing. HIV Care: A survey of international health providers found shortages of HIV medicines and testing supplies amid cuts to US foreign aid; the findings underline risks to care, though they do not specify shortages in Eswatini.

Animal Health: South Africa says regional cooperation is vital to containing foot-and-mouth disease and has made 50,000 vaccine doses available to Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho this year. Health Security: Eswatini has launched a five-year plan to improve preparedness for outbreaks, coordinating health, agriculture and animal-health agencies. Youth Mental Health: At a football workshop, the Health Ministry’s mental-health focal person said one in four pupils surveyed had attempted suicide more than once, urging clubs to support young people’s wellbeing. Blood Choices: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini may now individually decide whether to accept or donate red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets; the ban on whole-blood transfusions remains.

Taiwan Health Links: President Lai Ching-te called for deeper cooperation with Eswatini during King Mswati III’s visit, highlighting healthcare alongside education, technology and infrastructure as areas for partnership. Youth Mental Health: A Ministry of Health official told a football-sector workshop that Eswatini ranks second in Africa for reported suicide cases; a 2025 school survey found one in four pupils aged 13–17 had attempted suicide more than once. UNICEF, the ministry and the EFA are training clubs to better support young people. Health Security: Eswatini has launched a five-year plan to improve preparedness for outbreaks and other emergencies, coordinating action across human, animal and environmental health. Blood Donation: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini may now individually decide whether to donate or accept red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets; the group’s ban on whole-blood transfusions remains. HIV Services: A global survey found more than half of responding sexual-health organisations had run short of some HIV medicines or supplies, raising concern as aid cuts disrupt services across the region.

Youth Mental Health: A UNICEF, Ministry of Health and Eswatini Football Association workshop urged clubs to protect children’s wellbeing. A 2025 school survey found one in four pupils aged 13–17 had attempted suicide more than once; officials also reported widespread depression and anxiety among young people. Health Preparedness: Eswatini launched its 2026–2030 National Action Plan for Health Security, a cross-sector framework to improve prevention, detection and response to public health emergencies. HIV Care: An international survey found more than half of responding healthcare organisations had run short of some HIV medicines or supplies amid cuts to US foreign aid; the findings signal wider risks, though shortages in Eswatini were not specified. Clinical Training: A visiting nursing professor provided free lifesaving-skills training to 84 Luke Commission staff and advanced cardiac training to 43 nurses and doctors. Blood Donation: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini may now individually choose whether to accept or donate red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets; the ban on whole-blood transfusions remains.

Youth Mental Health: Health officials say one in four pupils aged 13–17 surveyed had attempted suicide more than once. UNICEF, the Health Ministry and the Eswatini Football Association are training clubs to support children’s wellbeing, with the EFA urged to provide a wellness office. Health Preparedness: Eswatini has launched a 2026–2030 plan to improve its response to public health emergencies, using a “One Health” approach that links human, animal and environmental health. Safer Care: A nursing professor trained 84 Luke Commission staff in basic life support and 43 nurses and doctors in advanced cardiac life support. Blood Choices: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini can now individually decide whether to accept or donate red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets; the ban on whole-blood transfusions remains.

Mental Health: A workshop for football clubs highlighted a serious youth crisis: Eswatini’s mental health focal person said the country has Africa’s second-highest reported suicide rate, and a 2025 survey found one in four pupils aged 13–17 had attempted suicide more than once. Health Security: Eswatini launched a 2026–2030 plan to improve preparedness for outbreaks and other public health emergencies, bringing together human, animal and environmental health. Skills Training: A visiting nursing professor trained 84 Luke Commission staff in basic life support and 43 nurses and doctors in advanced cardiac life support. Blood Donation: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini may now decide individually whether to accept or donate red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets; the group’s prohibition on whole-blood transfusions remains.

Blood Choices: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eswatini may now decide individually whether to accept or donate red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The ban on whole-blood transfusions remains. Health Oversight: The Luke Commission is asking the High Court to halt an inquiry into its work, alleging it is being singled out while poorly performing public facilities escape similar scrutiny. Those claims are set out in its court filing. Disease Watch: Foot-and-mouth disease has affected Eswatini and other countries in the region. Namibia’s outbreak has led the EU to suspend imports of fresh meat from cattle, sheep and goats. Care Near the Border: A report on South Africa’s weak palliative-care services highlights shortages of morphine and limited support for seriously ill children. One hospice serving the area is based in Ingwavuma, near Eswatini. Cross-border Cooperation: Eswatini’s new ambassador to Taiwan says the partnership includes Taiwanese medical teams working alongside local health professionals.

Palliative Care Crisis: A WHO audit described South Africa’s public cancer services as failing children’s palliative care, with families unable to access morphine and children dying in severe pain—highlighting a gap that also affects border communities like Ingwavuma near Eswatini. Food Safety & Disease Risk: The EU suspended imports of Namibian fresh meat after foot-and-mouth disease fears, a move that could ripple across southern Africa, including Eswatini, through trade and livestock movement disruptions. Access to Medicines & Health Systems: The same palliative-care reporting underscores how medicine stock-outs and refusal to administer pain relief can turn treatable suffering into preventable tragedy. Local Health Governance Scrutiny: Eswatini’s Luke Commission says it is being singled out over alleged malpractice while worst-performing public facilities face less scrutiny, raising questions about accountability in healthcare oversight. Health Funding Negotiations: Zambia is set to sign a revised $1.5bn US health funding deal after disputes over patient data and terms—an example of how data and control issues are shaping regional health partnerships.

Palliative Care Crisis: A WHO audit highlighted South Africa’s failing paediatric cancer palliative care, where children reportedly die in severe pain due to poor access to medicines like morphine. Mental Health & Relationships: Eswatini’s psychiatric referral hospital staff warned that modern dating and relationship stress are driving mental health problems, with money and romantic conflict flagged as major triggers. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed near-zero new infections in a large trial, but access questions loom as HIV funding drops. Health System Scrutiny: The Luke Commission (TLC) says it’s being unfairly targeted while worst-performing public facilities face less scrutiny, raising concerns about how quality and accountability are handled. Community Safety for Kids: Police delivered school safety lessons on sexual abuse prevention, drug use, and road safety—aimed at helping children speak up and stay safe. Health Diplomacy: Eswatini’s new ambassador to Taiwan says Taiwanese medical teams and health cooperation will continue, alongside broader partnership plans. Food & Health Link: Africa’s seed summit messaging in Eswatini stressed that resilient seed systems and better delivery to farmers underpin food security and nutrition.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed near-zero new infections in a major trial, but access questions are now urgent as global HIV funding drops. Mental Health: Eswatini clinicians say modern dating (umjolo) is driving rising stress and psychological distress, with money and relationship strain flagged ahead of World Mental Health Day. Women & Wellness: A local event spotlighted sisterhood as a way to tackle stigma affecting women living with HIV, while another forum warned women that fear of judgment can block business and career decisions. Youth Safety: Royal Eswatini Police delivered school safety lessons on sexual abuse prevention, drug risks (including vaping), and road safety. Health Diplomacy: Eswatini’s new ambassador to Taiwan says cooperation includes Taiwanese medical teams and scholarships, as Eswatini continues pushing for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies. Standards & Trust: ESWASA represented Eswatini at ISO’s Paris meeting, focusing on trade resilience, cybersecurity, food safety, and quality systems. Energy & Health Link: Sugar’s 107MW bagasse power is framed as a path to steadier electricity—supporting economic growth and reducing blackout risks.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed no HIV infections in a 2024 trial of young women in South Africa and Uganda, and WHO has recommended it as an additional PrEP option—now the big question is who will get access as global HIV funding drops. Mental Health: Eswatini’s National Psychiatric Referral Hospital warns that modern relationships (umjolo) are driving mental health crises, with stressors like money and romantic conflict affecting wellbeing and daily functioning. Pharmacy & Care Access: World Pharmacist Day in Eswatini highlighted pharmacists’ expanding role beyond dispensing—emphasising ongoing training and collaboration to strengthen safer, more effective healthcare. Women, Wellness & Business: At InnovationHer Indaba, officials warned that fear of judgement is holding women back from starting businesses and making life-changing decisions, while a separate event spotlighted sisterhood as key to reducing stigma for women affected by HIV. Local Health & Community Support: Ezulwini Municipality reported progress including public health work alongside infrastructure gains, while Nhlangano plans road and drainage upgrades that can improve safety and access. Health Education & Skills: Eswatini Theatre Club’s masterclass and other community events show growing focus on skills-building—supporting wellbeing through creative engagement.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) is being hailed as a breakthrough after a 2024 trial in South Africa and Uganda showed no new HIV infections among recipients, but access questions are now urgent as global HIV funding has fallen. Mental Health: Clinicians at Eswatini’s psychiatric referral hospital warn that modern dating and relationship stress are driving rising mental health crises, alongside money worries. Women & Wellness: An Eswatini event promoting women’s innovation and wellness urges women to break free from fear of public opinion that can block careers, businesses, and personal decisions. Local Health Workforce: World Pharmacist Day at EMCU highlighted pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing, calling for stronger empowerment and collaboration across the sector. Diplomacy & Health Access: Taiwan and Eswatini pledged deeper cooperation, including a Taiwan Medical Mission relocation to Manzini Government Hospital with telemedicine support. Economy & Health Context: Eswatini’s economy grew faster in the first half of 2026, while a “most taxed” headline ranking was challenged by officials who say SACU revenue inflates the figure.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) is being hailed as a major breakthrough, with WHO recommending it as an added PrEP option—raising urgent questions about who will actually get access as global HIV funding drops. Mental Health: Eswatini clinicians warn that modern dating (umjolo) is driving mental health crises, with relationship conflict and financial stress linked to worsening wellbeing. Women & Wellness: At Eswatini’s InnovationHer Indaba, leaders urged women to stop letting fear of public opinion block business, career moves and personal decisions. Pharmacy & Care: World Pharmacist Day in Eswatini highlighted pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing—calling for stronger empowerment and collaboration to meet changing community health needs. Local Health Systems: Taiwan’s medical mission is expanding access to specialist care for Eswatini patients via telemedicine and modern equipment, with the partnership also targeting energy security and jobs. Economy & Health Context: CSO data shows Eswatini’s economy strengthened in the first half of 2026, while a separate report on “top 10 most taxed” rankings notes SACU revenue can make headline tax-to-GDP figures misleading for how much Emaswati personally pay.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, showed zero HIV infections in a 2024 trial of over 2,000 young women in South Africa and Uganda, and WHO has recommended it as an added PrEP option—now the big question is who gets access as global HIV funding drops. Mental Health: Eswatini’s psychiatric referral hospital is warning that modern relationships are driving rising mental distress, with money stress and relationship conflict flagged as major triggers ahead of World Mental Health Day. Women & Wellness: An Eswatini activist says sisterhood is key to restoring women affected by stigma, using faith and community support to challenge harmful narratives. Pharmacy & Care: Eswatini Medical Christian University marked World Pharmacist Day, spotlighting pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing—toward safer, more effective community health. Local Health Support: Taiwan’s partnership with Eswatini highlights the relocation of its medical mission to Manzini Government Hospital, bringing specialist care closer through telemedicine. Community Infrastructure: Nhlangano plans road rehabilitation and new drainage to improve stormwater management—an indirect win for public health through safer, cleaner streets.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir) showed striking results in a 2024 trial in South Africa and Uganda, with no infections among participants—now the big question is who will get access as global HIV funding drops. Mental Health: Eswatini clinicians warn that modern dating (umjolo) is driving mental health strain, with money and relationship stress linked to worsening wellbeing. Pharmacy & Care Access: Eswatini Medical Christian University marked World Pharmacist Day, spotlighting pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing—toward safer, more responsive community health. Local Health Partnerships: Taiwan’s long-running support is highlighted again through the Taiwan Medical Mission’s move to Manzini Government Hospital, bringing specialist care closer via telemedicine. Community Health & Infrastructure: Ezulwini Municipality reported higher revenue and a surplus, alongside progress including public health work—while Nhlangano Town Council plans road and drainage upgrades that can reduce health risks from poor stormwater management. Health Equity & Costs: A global wealth-inequality snapshot places Eswatini among countries where the top 0.1% hold far more wealth than the bottom 80%, a reminder that health outcomes often track affordability and access.