Mbabane: People living with HIV/AIDS are not left behind as the government of Eswatini has provided E800 000 for their Livelihood support program.
This announcement was made by Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini when launching the program at Eluhlendlweni under Siphocosini Inkhundla on Friday. Dlamini said this program is yet another facet of ensuring that the country achieve the Vision of ending AIDS. It aims to improve the nutritional status of People Living with HIV & draw others in communities into treatment, support treatment adherence and offer psychosocial support.
The Premier said he is encouraged by the wide array of income generation projects the he saw on display which are all initiated at community level with the sole purpose of engaging People Living with HIV and support intervention defined in the National Multisectoral Strategic Framework.
“We are aware of the close linkages between poverty & HIV and AIDS. It is therefore crucial that such programmes succeed and are able to spur economic activity in communities. May I encourage all People Living with HIV to embrace this programme.” Dlamini said.
PM said the success of the HIV and AIDS response is a major contributor to the sustainable development goals to which the country has committed. Through this Livelihoods support programme, the Kingdom is contributing to reducing inequalities and promoting gender equity.
Dlamini said he was impressed by the composition of the groups which are engaging both men and women- young and old at different levels in the management of the Support Groups. These Support Groups will further contribute to tackling stigma, discrimination and exclusion.
The Premier highlighted that through the NSF, the country has laid out its blue-print of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2022. Government is committed to ensuring that the gains made in the last decade are maintained and scaled-up. Indeed Eswatini will conquer AIDS.
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