NEW YORK, USA – Eswatini has recorded notable improvements in public health, cutting infant and under-five mortality rates while advancing efforts to curb HIV infections, according to remarks delivered at the 58th Session of the Commission for Population and Development at the United Nations headquarters.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Thambo Gina, Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni shared the country’s health milestones during a panel themed “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.”
The country, Dr Gina noted, views health as a cornerstone of national development and a constitutionally enshrined right. “Health remains a top priority in our development agenda,” the Minister stated.
Between 2014 and 2022, Eswatini reduced infant mortality from 53 to 35 per 1,000 live births, and cut the under-five mortality rate from 74 to 41. These gains, according to Dr Gina, are the result of consistent investments in maternal, newborn, and child health services.
HIV remains a major concern, but the Kingdom has made strides in its response. Among adults aged 15 and older, HIV incidence currently stands at 17 per 1,000 for females and 10.2 for males. In the 15–49 age group, the rate is 19.9 for women and 9.9 for men.
Despite these figures, Eswatini is among the first nations worldwide to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — a global benchmark in HIV treatment and care.
Looking ahead to 2030, the Minister noted that Eswatini is focusing on expanding health infrastructure, adopting digital health solutions, and strengthening its workforce. Harnessing the country’s demographic dividend and investing in data systems and innovation are key to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 and broader development targets.
Dr Gina reiterated that building a healthy and productive population remains central to Eswatini’s vision.
