AGP Executive Report

Hospital Staffing Crisis: Mbabane Government Hospital’s parliamentary probe found critical staff shortages across nearly every department, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:100 and nursing units stretched beyond sustainable levels, worsened by long unfilled posts tied to a 2018 hiring freeze and slow central replacements. Digital Health Push: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, to help people manage medication, appointments and health questions—part of the MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care roadshow. HIV Prevention Innovation: South Africa’s planned rollout of lenacapavir for HIV prevention includes Eswatini among first-wave countries, with delivery through hundreds of clinics aimed at cutting new infections. TB Drug Resistance Breakthrough: Eswatini researchers report targeted next-generation sequencing that can detect rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance missed by routine tests, pointing to better treatment targeting for drug-resistant TB. Cervical Cancer Accountability: At the World Health Assembly, Eswatini joined calls for stronger, accountable health systems to accelerate cervical cancer elimination through HPV vaccination, community screening and better referral and treatment coverage. Community Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital to offer comfort during treatment and winter recovery. WASH for Children: Government launched Children’s Month with renewed focus on universal safe water, sanitation and hygiene to prevent preventable disease and protect children’s education and dignity.

Digital Health & Access: MTN Eswatini is promoting health awareness through the Notsa Health App, now localised into Siswati, with training support from Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health to help people manage reminders, medication and appointments. Women, Food & Climate: The Rural Women’s Assembly is urging governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, highlighting how rural women already drive resilient food systems amid hunger and climate shocks. Local Hospital Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20 000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital via its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative, aiming to bring comfort during winter treatment. TB Drug Resistance Research: Eswatini researchers report targeted next-generation sequencing findings showing rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance that routine tests may miss, raising concerns for MDR-TB care. WASH for Children: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with renewed focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe WASH undermines health, education and dignity. Health Tech Payments: MTN also encouraged developers to use Mobile Money MoMo APIs, including for healthcare apps that could let patients pay for services digitally. Public Health Security at Borders: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC, assessed Ebola preparedness at Busia, reviewing screening gaps and standard operating procedures at a major trade crossing.

Digital Health & Mobile Money: MTN Eswatini is pushing health tech through the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, with training support from Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health, while MTN also promotes MoMo API tools that could let businesses (including health apps) take payments and expand services. TB Diagnostics: Eswatini researchers report next-gen sequencing that can spot rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance in TB that routine tests may miss, raising the stakes for better drug-resistant TB detection and treatment planning. HIV & Cross-Border Sexual Health: The IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing, sexual health and child protection, including in Eswatini as part of a wider regional effort. Maternal & Child Health (WASH): Government has launched Children’s Month with a renewed push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe WASH fuels preventable disease and undermines education and dignity. Community Support in Hospitals: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative, aiming to bring comfort during winter treatment periods. Food & Climate Policy: Rural women smallholder farmers are calling to be placed at the centre of food and climate policy, saying they already hold practical answers for resilient food systems amid hunger and climate shocks. Public Health Security & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi is focusing on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries, as health systems prepare for emerging threats like Ebola. Outbreak Risk Beyond Borders: A South Africa foot-and-mouth disease tracking gap is highlighted as outbreaks spread across provinces, stressing the need for mandatory nationwide disease tracing to protect livestock and exports. Health Access Under Detention: A complaint alleges that U.S. immigrants detained in Eswatini are held indefinitely without adequate medical attention, food or clothing—an urgent human and health rights concern.

TB & Drug Resistance: Eswatini researchers report next-generation sequencing findings in Nature Communications showing hidden rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance in TB that routine tests may miss—raising the stakes for better diagnostics and treatment planning. HIV Prevention: South Africa’s Lenacapavir long-acting injectable rollout is set to include Eswatini among first beneficiaries, with plans for delivery through hundreds of clinics to cut new infections. WASH for Children: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month in Eswatini with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe WASH fuels preventable disease and undermines education and dignity. Mobile Money for Health Payments: MTN is urging developers to use Mobile Money APIs, highlighting healthcare apps as a direct way for patients to pay for services digitally. Cross-Border HIV Attitudes: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” work around Beitbridge is shifting community views on testing and sexual health, targeting stigma and risks linked to mobility. Public Health Safety (Nuclear/Radiation): Regional health and regulatory leaders met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, including Eswatini among participants. Water Safety Watch: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected. Health & Migration Detention: Reports describe U.S.-deported migrants held in maximum-security prison in Eswatini with limited ability to challenge detention, spotlighting mental health harms. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC, are assessing Ebola screening and border procedures at Busia to close preparedness gaps.

Digital Health & Payments: MTN is urging developers to use Mobile Money (MoMo) APIs to build revenue-generating apps, with healthcare flagged as a key use-case for enabling patients to pay for services through digital platforms. HIV & Cross-Border Care: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health, tackling stigma and risks linked to mobility and disrupted treatment; Eswatini is included in the regional effort. WASH for Children: Eswatini has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and school absenteeism. HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s upcoming launch of the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir includes Eswatini among first beneficiaries, with rollout planned through hundreds of clinics. Public Health Preparedness: Kenya and Uganda are assessing Ebola preparedness at Busia border points with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and standard operating procedures—an approach relevant to regional disease control. Water Safety Reality Check: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected.

HIV & SRHR Cross-Border Response: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing, sexual health and child protection, tackling risks linked to mobility, stigma and interrupted treatment across Eswatini and six other Southern African countries. HIV Prevention Breakthrough in the Region: South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned to reach 360 clinics and target high-burden areas—also including Eswatini among first beneficiary countries. Public Health Infrastructure (WASH): Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and undermine education and dignity. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC support, are running a joint assessment at Busia to tighten Ebola screening, Standard Operating Procedures and preparedness at a major trade crossing. Water Safety Crisis: A new global review flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Nuclear & Radiation Safety in Healthcare: Regional health and regulatory leaders met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, including Eswatini, with support from the IAEA. Climate Risk for Health & Food Security: A warning on El Niño risks highlights how climate shocks can quickly translate into water stress, food insecurity and major economic losses—an issue Eswatini can’t afford to repeat.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned for 360 clinics and expected to reach high-burden areas including Eswatini. Water & Health: Eswatini officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a strong push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and school absenteeism. Regional Ebola Readiness: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC support, carried out a joint assessment at the Busia border to tighten Ebola preparedness, screening systems, and standard operating procedures. Nuclear Safety in Care: Health and regulatory officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, aiming for better regulatory capacity and cross-country collaboration. Food & Nutrition: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights how unsafe water remains a major public health risk across many African countries. Climate Risk & Preparedness: A new report warns Eswatini cannot afford another major climate disaster, as El Niño conditions may intensify later in 2026, threatening water and food security.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned for 360 clinics and early focus in high-burden areas including districts in KwaZulu-Natal and Eswatini among first beneficiaries. WASH for Children: Eswatini has officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and keep children—especially girls—from learning and living with dignity. Ebola Readiness at Borders: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC, carried out a joint assessment at the Busia border post to tighten Ebola preparedness, screening systems, and standard operating procedures to reduce the risk of undetected spread. Nuclear & Radiation Safety in Healthcare: Regional health and regulatory officials met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, aiming to improve oversight and build action plans with support from the IAEA. Water Safety Crisis: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing infrastructure gaps, sanitation shortfalls, and climate pressure. Food Prices Pressure: Tiger Brands warned that rising fuel, logistics and input costs may force higher prices on some food categories, with edible oils and packaging shifts cited as key drivers.

Climate & Health Security: A new warning flags that Eswatini could face another El Niño-linked shock, with past drought and flooding costing the kingdom over E3.8bn—so preparedness is framed as a life-and-livelihood investment, not a luxury. WASH for Children: Government has launched Children’s Month with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, stressing that unsafe water and poor sanitation drive preventable illness, school absenteeism and harm to girls’ dignity. Mental Health: WHO data places Eswatini among Africa’s highest suicide-rate countries (31.0 per 100,000), adding urgency to tackling depression and anxiety’s social and economic toll. HIV Prevention: South Africa’s rollout of Lenacapavir—an injectable used twice yearly for HIV prevention—is set to reach 360 clinics, with Eswatini listed among first-benefit countries. Regional Health Systems: ECSA-HC is supporting Kenya and Uganda to assess Ebola preparedness at Busia border points, focusing on screening gaps and standard operating procedures. Health Research Capacity: A new grant expands the CHE Thanzi programme’s health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, strengthening policy work toward universal health coverage. Nuclear & Radiation Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi brings together health regulators, including Eswatini, to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare.

Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment mission at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening gaps, and Standard Operating Procedures compliance, using WHO-developed tools and immediate corrective actions to stop any viral threat crossing undetected. WASH for Children: Eswatini officially marked 2026 Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and keep children—especially girls—out of school. Regional Health Research Boost: The Thanzi Programme’s Centre for Health Economics (CHE) secured a new grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, strengthening work on universal health coverage and health financing with ECSA-HC support. Mental Health Burden: WHO data highlighted suicide as a growing mental health concern across Africa, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates in the region. Health Safety with Nuclear Tech: Health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen public health systems and safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, including Eswatini among participating countries. HIV Prevention Progress: South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with Eswatini named among the first countries to benefit.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and reliance on unprotected rural water sources. WASH for Children: Eswatini marked Children’s Month by renewing calls for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access, warning that poor WASH fuels preventable disease, school absenteeism, and harms girls’ dignity. HIV Prevention Breakthrough (Region): South Africa is set to roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, targeting high-burden clinics as part of efforts to cut new infections. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare (Region): Health and regulatory officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine, aiming for better preparedness as disease threats evolve. Mental Health Burden (Region): WHO data shows Eswatini among the highest suicide-rate countries in Africa, underscoring the growing mental health pressure across the region. Midwives Matter (Eswatini): UNFPA highlighted the need to invest in midwives, noting Eswatini’s progress in reducing institutional maternal deaths and calling for stronger midwifery support. Health Research Funding (Southern Africa): The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health systems research and policy capacity into Namibia and Zambia, supporting work toward universal health coverage.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still relying on unprotected wells, rivers, and seasonal sources—showing how weak infrastructure and sanitation keep preventable illness going. WASH for Children: Eswatini marked Children’s Month by renewing calls for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel disease, school absenteeism, and harm to girls’ dignity. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA used International Day of the Midwife to urge investment in midwives, noting Eswatini’s progress in cutting preventable maternal deaths and stressing that stronger midwifery support protects women and newborns. Regional Health Systems Research: The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health policy and health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage and improve how research feeds into national decisions. HIV Prevention Update (Regional): South Africa is set to roll out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, to hundreds of clinics—an important signal for the region’s prevention strategies. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare: Health regulators from several countries, including Eswatini, met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine and build shared regulatory capacity.

Maternal Health Focus: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife 2026 in Eswatini, urging urgent investment in midwives to cut preventable maternal deaths, noting institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). HIV Prevention Update: South Africa’s Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to 360 clinics with targeted support for high-burden areas including KZN. Mental Health Watch: WHO data shows Eswatini (31.0 per 100,000) and South Africa (21.1) among Africa’s highest suicide rates, underscoring a growing mental health burden. Regional Health Safety: A Nairobi forum is bringing together health and nuclear regulators from across the region, including Eswatini, to strengthen safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare amid disease threats like Ebola. WASH for Children: Eswatini officially launched Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and school attendance. Health Systems Research: The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health policy research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage and better policymaking.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned for 360 clinics and expected to reach high-burden areas including districts in KwaZulu-Natal. Maternal Health: UNFPA is calling for urgent investment in midwives, highlighting Eswatini’s progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths and urging support to expand the midwifery workforce. WASH for Children: Eswatini officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a strong push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and school absenteeism. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare: Health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, including Eswatini among participating countries. Food Prices Pressure: Tiger Brands warns consumers may face higher prices as fuel, logistics and raw material costs squeeze manufacturers, with some categories likely to see cost-push increases. Health Research Funding: The Thanzi Programme’s CHE grant will expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage and policy development across the region.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to 360 clinics and aiming to curb new infections. Child Health & Safety: Eswatini officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a strong push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water, poor sanitation and weak hygiene fuel preventable disease and undermine education. Maternal Health Focus: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife by urging investment in more midwives, citing progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths and the ongoing need to strengthen maternal and newborn care. Radiation Safety in Care: Health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to improve safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries. Health Research Funding: The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting work on UHC and health financing. Mental Health Alarm: WHO data highlights high suicide rates in the region, with Eswatini listed among the highest in Africa. Workforce & Rights: A report on workers’ rights ranked Eswatini among the world’s worst for labour conditions, raising concerns that can affect health and wellbeing.

Nuclear safety for healthcare: Health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen public health systems and the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine, with the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the IAEA pushing countries to build stronger regulatory capacity and develop a regional action plan. Maternal health push: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife in Eswatini with a call to invest in more midwives, noting progress in lowering institutional maternal deaths and stressing that midwives are central to preventing avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. Mental health snapshot: WHO data highlighted suicide as a major mental health burden across Africa, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates in the region, underscoring the need for stronger mental health support. Health research funding: The Thanzi Programme’s Centre for Health Economics secured a grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage policy work across the region. Local health-adjacent policy: SANU students were told they will not receive extended living allowances for one month after a request for an extension was declined, following disruptions that affected the academic calendar.