Mbabane- A new multimillion health agreement between the Government of Eswatini and the United States is expected to strengthen the country’s health system and support long term sustainability. The five year Health Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the American Corner in Mbabane and is valued at 242 million US dollars which is roughly E4.5 billion.
The agreement outlines that the United States will invest up to 205 million US dollars over the five year period. Government has committed to increase domestic health spending by 37 million US dollars as it prepares to take on more financial responsibility for national health programmes.
US Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock told attendees that the agreement builds on years of cooperation between the two countries in the health sector. He said the United States remains Eswatini’s largest health partner through both bilateral support and global health initiatives.
He noted recent developments such as the introduction of lenacapavir, an HIV prevention injection that requires only two doses a year. Approved earlier this year in the United States, the drug is already being accessed by thousands of emaSwati through American funded programmes.
According to US officials, support to Eswatini’s HIV response has exceeded 900 million US dollars over the past two decades. The new MOU aligns with Eswatini’s National Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework for 2024 to 2028 as the country works toward a more self reliant response to HIV. It also corresponds with the America First Global Health Strategy, which promotes efficiency, resilience and national ownership.
Under the agreement, the United States will finance all frontline health care worker salaries and health commodities for the next fiscal year. A gradual handover of these costs to the Eswatini government will take place over the next five years. The partnership will also strengthen national public health data systems to help track HIV patterns and respond to disease outbreaks.
Weinstock described the MOU as a strategic investment in better health outcomes for both countries, noting that stronger systems in Eswatini support regional and global health security. He said the United States remains committed to continued cooperation that improves lives and reinforces Eswatini’s health sector.
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