AGP Executive Report

Health Governance & Procurement Scrutiny: Eswatini’s drug/medicine recall investigation by Funduzi Forensic Services is facing fresh credibility questions after MPs heard that the report’s project director was unavailable due to South Africa’s Madlanga Commission—claims now being challenged by publicly released commission information. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO-backed work with Eswatini has helped launch and operationalise the first costed National Disability Plan of Action, with priority areas spanning health and well-being, education, social protection, emergency support, and disability mainstreaming. Mental Health Alert: WHO data flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini listed among the highest in the region (40.5 deaths per 100,000), renewing calls for stronger prevention and support. HIV Prevention Education: A feature highlights how misinformation about lenacapavir (LEN) is spreading even as Eswatini and the region begin rolling out the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection—underscoring the need for clear community counselling. Public Health Systems Training: SADC officials met in Johannesburg to learn cost-benefit analysis for prioritising health and other services under tight budgets, aiming to stretch limited funds to where they deliver the biggest impact. Food & Health Safety (Regional): Reports warn of rising global risks from African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, with cross-border movement of animal products and farm equipment flagged as key threats.

Suicide crisis in the region: WHO data show Southern Africa is a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini listed at about 40.5 deaths per 100,000—among the highest in Africa—highlighting an urgent need for stronger mental health support. Disability inclusion in Eswatini: UNESCO-backed work helped Eswatini launch its first costed National Disability Plan, with priority areas including health and well-being, education, employment, social protection, and emergency response. Health system accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accused the Auditor General of procedural unfairness in a forensic drug/medicine recall investigation, raising concerns about how reports were handled and who was given a chance to respond. Public health and safety logistics: A major Ford vehicle recall was announced for certain Transit and Tourneo models exported to Eswatini, after a transmission defect could cause sudden loss of movement—owners are urged to get free inspections and repairs. HIV prevention awareness: A feature discusses how lenacapavir (LEN) is being introduced across Africa (including Eswatini) and why clear community education is critical so people understand what the injection can and can’t do. Regional health travel access: Russia’s unified e-visa list for 2026 includes Eswatini, Kenya, and Zimbabwe as the only African countries on the approved list, affecting short-stay travel planning.

HIV Prevention & Access: Lenacapavir (LEN) is expanding across the region, with a new report highlighting how people still misunderstand what the once-every-six-month injection can and can’t do—underscoring the need for clear community health education alongside ongoing ARV care. Mental Health Crisis: WHO data shows southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates on the continent—renewing calls for stronger prevention and support services. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO-backed work helped Eswatini launch its first costed National Disability Plan, with health and well-being named as a priority area and disability governance strengthened through CRPD-aligned budgeting. Public Health & Safety Events: Eswatini recorded a major turnout for the Lidwala Insurance Wellness Walk (17,000+ participants), while a separate report notes a grim health-related crime in Johannesburg involving a hijacked health department vehicle and alleged human organs. Travel & Health Workforce Opportunities: Russia’s 2026 unified e-visa list includes Eswatini (one of only three African countries), and WHO opened its Global Internship Programme to all member states, including many African applicants.

Suicide Prevention: WHO data flags Southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Lesotho highest and Eswatini among the worst in the region (about 40.5 deaths per 100,000), renewing calls for stronger mental health support. HIV Prevention Access: A feature on lenacapavir (LEN) highlights how people still misunderstand what the once-every-six-month HIV prevention injection can do—especially outside major cities—underscoring the need for clear community health education (Eswatini is noted as one of the first countries to receive early shipments). Disability Inclusion: Eswatini launched its first costed National Disability Plan of Action, supported by UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA, with health and well-being listed as a priority area alongside education, social protection and emergency response. Health System Accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses the Auditor General of procedural unfairness in a forensic drug/medicine recall investigation, as PAC hearings continue. Public Health & Safety: A record 17,000 people took part in the Lidwala Insurance Wellness Walk, a reminder that community movement and preventive health messaging are gaining traction. Food & Health Risks: Research warns that invasive redclaw crayfish could reach the Okavango Delta within about 10 years, threatening fisheries and food security across the region. One Health / Snakebites: New research from the University of Pretoria urges better public understanding of snakes, linking snakebite prevention to broader ecosystem and health planning.

Disability Inclusion: Eswatini has launched its first costed National Disability Plan of Action, backed by UNESCO’s Global Disability Fund support with UNICEF and UNFPA, aiming to strengthen disability governance and CRPD-compliant budgeting across ten priority areas including health and well-being, education, employment, social protection, and emergency response. Water Security: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy says it is accelerating water infrastructure plans, including raising Hawane Dam, and reviewing the Water Act (2003) to protect potable water supply if El Niño reduces rainfall—especially for schools and hospitals. Public Health & Safety: A grim discovery in Soweto saw two men arrested after JMPD found a hijacked National Department of Health vehicle and alleged human organs in buckets, with investigations ongoing into the origin. Wellness in Action: Lidwala Insurance’s Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants nationwide, pushing healthy living as a community goal. Health Policy Oversight: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accused the Auditor General of procedural unfairness in forensic drug/medicine recall investigations involving Funduzi Forensic Services, as the PAC hearing continues. HIV Prevention: An opinion piece highlights the rollout of lenacapavir (LEN) across Africa, stressing that regular people need clear understanding of what the injection can and can’t do. Sports & Health Promotion: ENPF opened 2026 Imbube Marathon registrations, with early-bird fees ending July 30, encouraging participation in a major national road race that also qualifies athletes for Comrades and Two Oceans. Food & Environment: Research warns invasive redclaw crayfish could reach Botswana’s Okavango Delta within about 10 years, raising risks for fisheries, food security, and fragile ecosystems.

Honours & Health Leadership: Wits University awarded honorary doctorates to Prof Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo, southern Africa’s first black cardiologist, celebrating decades of medical pioneering under apartheid-era barriers. Health Systems & Accountability: Swazipharm Director Kareem Ashraff accused the Auditor General of mishandling forensic drug/medicine recall reports and procedural fairness during a PAC hearing involving Funduzi Forensic Services—an issue that directly affects trust in medicines across Eswatini’s health facilities. Wellness in Action: Lidwala Insurance’s fourth Lidwala Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants nationwide, pushing community movement and preventive health habits. Water Security: Eswatini’s water ministry says it’s accelerating potable water infrastructure, including plans to raise Hawane Dam height, to protect schools and hospitals if El Niño reduces rainfall. Public Health & Safety: A study from University of Pretoria highlights snakes as part of “One Health” and stresses that snakebite is a neglected public health emergency. Access to HIV Prevention: A feature explains how lenacapavir (LEN) is rolling out across Africa and why public understanding matters—especially for people living with HIV. Health & Travel Policy: Google Ads expanded its alcohol policy to include Eswatini and updated gambling/games certification rules, affecting how health-adjacent lifestyle content is promoted online.

Biotech & Biosafety Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launched a “Biotech Africa Database” to centralise scattered biotech approval and biosafety requirements, aiming to cut cross-border delays and confusion for regulators, researchers and traders. HIV Prevention (LEN): A new explainer highlights how lenacapavir (LEN) is rolling out across Africa (with Eswatini among early recipients) and why public understanding matters—especially for people who may confuse prevention injections with treatment. Health System Recognition: The Global Fund praised Eswatini in Geneva for strengthening systems and tackling HIV, TB and malaria, noting progress on domestic financing and readiness to adopt LEN. Water Security (El Niño): Eswatini’s water ministry says it’s accelerating potable water plans, including reviewing the Water Act and raising Hawane Dam capacity to protect schools and hospitals during expected dry conditions. Public Health & Wellness: Lidwala Insurance’s Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants, reinforcing community momentum for healthier living. Food & Health Safety (Citrus Pests): EU citrus interceptions rose sharply, with Eswatini-linked Phyllosticta cases reported—an indirect but real risk to food supply chains and livelihoods. Governance & Accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accused the Auditor General of procedural unfairness in forensic drug/medicine investigations, keeping health procurement oversight in the spotlight.

Biotech & Biosafety: ISAAA AfriCenter says Africa’s scattered biotech regulatory data is being centralised through a new “Biotech Africa Database” portal, aiming to speed up access to approval decisions and cross-border import/export guidance. HIV Prevention: Eswatini is highlighted as an early adopter of lenacapavir (LEN), with commentary urging people to understand what the twice-yearly injection can and can’t do. Health System Praise: The Global Fund commended Eswatini in Geneva for strengthening systems and tackling HIV, TB and malaria, including progress on domestic financing and LEN rollout. Public Health & Water Security: Government is accelerating water infrastructure plans, including reviewing the Water Act and raising Hawane Dam capacity, to protect potable supply under projected El Niño dry spells. Community Wellness: Lidwala Insurance’s 24km Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants, pushing healthy living as a national priority. Governance & Medicines Oversight: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses the Auditor General of procedural unfairness over forensic drug/medicine investigations tied to health facilities. Sports & Health: ENPF opened 2026 Imbube Marathon registrations, with early-bird fees ending July 30.

Drug Safety & Accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses the Auditor General of abusing his powers after forensic reports tied to Funduzi Forensic Services were presented to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, raising concerns about procedural fairness and whether implicated parties were allowed to respond. HIV Prevention & Public Understanding: A feature explains why people still misunderstand lenacapavir (LEN)—including in the region where Eswatini is among early recipients—highlighting the need for clear counselling on what the twice-yearly injection can and can’t do. Mental Health: A commentary argues Eswatini’s suicide crisis needs urgent, multi-sector action beyond political declarations, stressing empathy and stigma reduction for people in distress. Wellness & Community Health: Lidwala Insurance’s Lidwala Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants nationwide, with organisers framing it as a practical push for healthier living. Water Security: Government says it’s accelerating water infrastructure plans, including raising Hawane Dam capacity, to protect schools and hospitals if El Niño reduces rainfall. Public Health Systems Recognition: The Global Fund praised Eswatini as a model for strengthening health systems and scaling HIV, TB and malaria responses, including readiness to roll out lenacapavir. Health Sector Crime: Two men were arrested in Soweto after a hijacked National Department of Health vehicle was found alongside buckets allegedly containing human organs; investigations continue.

HIV Prevention Rollout & Public Understanding: A new essay highlights how lenacapavir (LEN) is being introduced across Africa, including Eswatini, and why regular people still need clear guidance on what the once-every-six-month injection can and can’t do. Global Health Recognition: Eswatini was praised by the Global Fund for strengthening health systems and driving progress against HIV, TB and malaria, including early LEN rollout and stronger domestic financing. Wellness in Action: Lidwala Insurance reports a record 17,000+ participants in the Lidwala Wellness Walk, pushing community movement and healthier living. Water Security Planning: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy says it’s accelerating water infrastructure upgrades, including raising Hawane Dam, to prepare for possible El Niño dry spells affecting schools and hospitals. Animal Health Risk Watch: Global surveillance flags rising threats from African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, stressing how cross-border pork and farm activity can spread outbreaks. Food Safety & Trade: EU citrus interceptions rose 66% year-on-year, with Eswatini linked to Phyllosticta detections—raising concerns for regional growers and public health through safer food systems. Mental Health Pressure: A commentary argues Eswatini’s suicide crisis needs urgent, multi-sector action beyond political declarations, focusing on empathy and stigma reduction. Health System & Access: Reports also note Eswatini’s involvement in international cooperation, including smart medicine and energy security ties with Taiwan.

HIV & Prevention: Eswatini is being praised internationally for strengthening its health system and scaling up the fight against HIV, TB and malaria, including early rollout of lenacapavir (LEN), with the Global Fund calling the kingdom a model for other countries. Wellness in Action: Lidwala Insurance’s 24-kilometre Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants nationwide, with organisers framing it as a push for healthier living. Public Health & Water Security: With El Niño risks looming, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy says it’s accelerating water infrastructure plans, including raising Hawane Dam height, to protect potable water for schools and hospitals. Health System & Access: A report says 17 US deportees held in Eswatini are in good health and living under acceptable conditions, after a lawyer gained access following legal battles. Community Health & Safety: Two men were arrested in Soweto after human organs were allegedly found in buckets at a property, following discovery of a hijacked National Department of Health vehicle. Health-Related Education: Ten University of Eswatini students received fully paid internships through EswatiniMobile/Inyatsi Group, aiming to build job-ready skills for the country’s future workforce. Regional Health Risk (Food): EU citrus checks show a 66% jump in pest and disease interceptions, with Eswatini linked to Phyllosticta detections—raising concerns for regional plant health. Health & Society: A new piece highlights Eswatini’s suicide crisis and calls for urgent, empathetic action beyond government declarations.

HIV Prevention in Focus: A new report highlights how lenacapavir (LEN) is rolling out as a twice-yearly HIV prevention option, but stresses the need for clear public understanding of who it’s for and what it can and can’t do—an issue raised through a personal account comparing Zambia’s early shipments with Eswatini’s own progress. Global Fund Praise for Eswatini: Eswatini was commended by the Global Fund for strengthening health systems and tackling HIV, TB and malaria, including early LEN rollout and commitment to domestic financing. Wellness on the Ground: Lidwala Insurance’s 24-kilometre Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants, pushing community action around healthier living. Water Security Planning: Government is accelerating plans to protect potable water supply, including raising Hawane Dam capacity, amid El Niño fears. Health System Integrity: Two men were arrested in Soweto after human organs were found in buckets at a property, with investigations ongoing—an alarming reminder of the need for tighter oversight. Health & Travel Policy Impact: UK visa rule changes now require advance visas for travellers from Eswatini and other African countries, potentially affecting patients seeking medical treatment abroad. Regional Food Safety: EU citrus interceptions rose 66% year-on-year, with Eswatini linked to Phyllosticta cases—raising concerns for regional agricultural health.

HIV Prevention Education: A new feature explains why people still misunderstand lenacapavir (LEN) and stresses that the twice-yearly injection is for prevention, not a cure—highlighting the need for clear counselling alongside existing ARVs. Public Health Recognition: Eswatini was praised by the Global Fund in Geneva for strengthening HIV, TB and malaria responses, including early lenacapavir rollout and stronger domestic health financing. Wellness in Action: Lidwala Insurance reports a record 17,000+ participants in the Lidwala Wellness Walk, calling it a boost for a healthier nation. Water Security Planning: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy says it’s accelerating water infrastructure, including raising Hawane Dam height, to protect potable supply if El Niño reduces rainfall. Health System Support: Global Fund officials highlighted Eswatini’s health-system gains as a model for other countries. Community Health & Safety: Two men were arrested in Soweto after human organs were allegedly found in buckets, with investigations ongoing—an urgent reminder of the need for strong health and forensic systems. HIV Tech for Mothers: A modelling study backs targeted, not universal, twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women in high-incidence districts to cut vertical transmission.

HIV Prevention: A new report highlights how many people still misunderstand lenacapavir (LEN)—Eswatini and Zambia have started receiving early shipments, but public education is key so people know it’s for prevention, not a cure. HIV & Maternal Health: A modelling study backs targeted, twice-yearly LEN PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women in high-incidence districts as a cost-saving way to cut mother-to-child transmission—while stressing it should complement, not replace, existing prevention programmes. Wellness & Community: Lidwala Insurance’s 24km Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants, with organisers framing it as a practical push for healthier living. Water Security: Government is accelerating plans to raise Hawane Dam capacity ahead of possible El Niño dryness, aiming to protect potable water for schools and hospitals. TB Control: SADC’s 2025 TB progress report warns momentum is plateauing and elimination targets are at risk due to funding gaps and regional crises. Health System Recognition: Global Fund officials praised Eswatini in Geneva for progress against HIV, TB and malaria, including early LEN rollout and stronger domestic health financing. Public Health Risk (Food Safety): EU citrus interceptions rose 66% year-on-year, with South Africa leading and Eswatini also flagged for Phyllosticta cases—raising concerns for regional plant health. Mental Health: A commentary renews focus on Eswatini’s suicide crisis, calling for urgent, multi-sector support beyond political declarations. Human Rights & Health Access: Amnesty and lawyers raise concerns about US third-country removal transfers involving people held without due process, with knock-on risks to wellbeing and access to care.

Wellness & Community: Lidwala Insurance’s 4th Lidwala Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000+ participants across Eswatini, with organisers calling the turnout overwhelming and a major push for healthier living. Public Health Recognition: Eswatini Beverages was named the country’s most tax-compliant taxpayer at the ERS Client Appreciation Awards, a reminder that corporate responsibility can support broader health goals. HIV & Prevention Innovation: A modelling study backs targeted, not universal, twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women without HIV in high-incidence districts, aiming to cut mother-to-child transmission while strengthening existing services. Health System Strengthening: The Global Fund praised Eswatini as a model for progress on HIV, TB and malaria, highlighting domestic financing and early rollout of lenacapavir. Water Security: With El Niño risks ahead, government says it’s accelerating water infrastructure plans, including raising Hawane Dam capacity, to protect schools and hospitals from shortages. Mental Health Crisis: A commentary renews focus on Eswatini’s suicide emergency, urging faster, multi-sector action to reduce stigma and improve support. TB Update: A SADC TB progress report warns elimination targets are at risk due to plateauing progress and funding cuts, despite earlier incidence reductions.

Public Health & Environment: New University of Pretoria research urges a “One Health” shift in how Eswatini and the region view snakes—highlighting their ecosystem role and warning that snakebites remain a major, often underreported public health emergency. Health System Leadership: Eswatini was praised by the Global Fund in Geneva for strengthening HIV, TB and malaria responses, including early rollout of lenacapavir and sustained domestic financing. Water Security: With El Niño risks in mind, government says it is accelerating water infrastructure plans, including raising Hawane Dam capacity, to protect schools and hospitals from potential shortages. Mental Health: A commentary renews calls to treat suicide as a national emergency, pointing to Eswatini’s very high suicide rate and the need for stigma-reducing, multi-sector support. HIV Prevention Research: A modelling study supports targeted, twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women in high-incidence districts as a cost-effective way to cut mother-to-child transmission. Health & Rights in Detention: Amnesty International raises fresh concerns over US third-country removal transfers involving people held in Eswatini, citing risks around detention, due process and onward refoulement. Community Health & Training: Inyatsi Group’s EswatiniMobile-funded internship programme places UNESWA students in real workplaces, aiming to strengthen future health and service capacity through skills development.