Mbabane – Eswatini has set a national target to reduce new HIV infections among people aged 15 and above by 50 percent by 2028, officials announced during the Municipal Council of Mbabane’s World AIDS Day event this week. The goal aims to cut the HIV incidence rate from 0.62 to 0.31 over four years, according to the 2024–2028 National Strategic Framework.
Recent statistics show that 3,934 adults contracted HIV in 2022, while AIDS-related deaths reached 2,861. The country currently has an estimated 221,898 people living with HIV, including nearly 5,000 children, contributing to the global total of 39 million reported by UNAIDS in 2023, shared by Mr. Bheka Mziyako, Head of Strategic Information.
National estimates for 2024/2025 indicate 221,931 people living with HIV out of a population of 1.17 million. Women aged 15 and above account for 60 percent of cases, while children represent three percent. ART enrolment is highest in Manzini with 71,884 clients, followed by Hhohho (53,836), Lubombo (40,101) and Shiselweni (36,293).
Despite high treatment coverage, new infections are driven by low condom use, limited awareness of HIV status, low PrEP uptake, treatment interruptions, gender-based violence, poverty, unemployment, and early sexual debut. Low male circumcision rates and intergenerational sexual relationships also contribute to transmission.
The National Strategic Framework outlines measures to reach the 2028 target, including expanding testing and linkage for key populations, targeted prevention for high-risk groups, closing care gaps, removing structural barriers, and strengthening community-driven approaches.
Mental health was also a focus during the commemoration. Dr. Arnold Mafukidze, a mental health practitioner, said emotional distress affects treatment adherence and personal decision-making among people living with HIV. He urged the Municipal Council of Mbabane to integrate mental health screening into HIV services and partner with wellness experts to support psychological resilience as part of prevention and care initiatives.
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