Ezulwini – The future of thousands of malnourished and vulnerable emaSwati children is set to improve thanks to the generosity of the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Charity Foundation, which has donated its specially formulated nutritional powders to help combat malnutrition.
On Thursday, the Tzu Chi Foundation which originates from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Ministry of Health, formalised their relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini.
Not only does this partnership come with knowledge sharing, taking from Tzu Chi Foundation’s global footprint in humanitarian work, but also strengthens diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Tzu Chi Foundation has a legacy of impacting over 4 million people globally across 59 countries with its medical outreach programme. It also provides emergency financial aid, support for disadvantaged children and youth as well as scholarships.
During the signing ceremony, Tzu Chi Foundation contributed 4800 of 2kg nutritional powder packs which are easy to mix and very nutritious for children.
The Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, through the Principal Secretary Khanya Mabuza, calling Tzu Chi Foundation partners in health said these supplies have been evaluated and approved by government nutritionists, serving as a lifeline for the most vulnerable children.
“Malnutrition remains a serious challenge in our country, hindering a child’s growth and development and leaving them susceptible to illness,” Matsebula said.
The minister recalled that Tzu-Chi Foundation has previously participated and donated breastfeeding cushions in the country’s week-long breastfeeding campaign. He emphasized the crucial role of breastfeeding in addressing malnutrition.
“We know that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to improve a child’s health and survival. These cushions will provide comfort and support to new mothers, making the breastfeeding journey easier, successful and more meaningful. This gift is a testament to the Foundation’s deep commitment to the well-being of mothers and children in our nation, in line with our overall health goals for primary health care,” he said.
The minister said the nutrition packs will be strategically distributed to health facilities across the country to be accessed by the most vulnerable children as well as manage and treat malnutrition cases.
Matsebula said that after cementing their relationship through the signing of the MOU, they hope such collaborations can bridge critical gaps in the healthcare system and reach those who need support the most.
“This partnership is a shining example of how a shared vision can translate into tangible, life-saving outcomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Tzu-Chi Foundation Vice President Lin Pi-Yu said though it was her first visit to Eswatini, the country was beautiful, referring to it as the Switzerland of Africa. She also said it was peaceful.
Lin said they cover a lot of medical centres.
In Eswatini, Tzu Chi Foundation launched its first mobile clinic in 2024, providing preventive services to facilitate early detection.
“Each month, we conduct mobile medical outreaches in the communities where our soup kitchens operate, bringing healthcare directly to those in need. Last month, at the Royal Kraal in Luyengo, we held a one-day outreach that provided free consultations, medicines, cancer screening and cervical screening,” it’s said.
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