Mbabane – Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula on has commissioned the 2026 to 2028 Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board, tasking it with overseeing ethical and scientifically sound research across the country.
The board was unveiled on Monday at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane. The board will be chaired by Dr Sabelo Dlamini and is mandated to protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of research participants while supporting credible health and human research in Eswatini.
Speaking at the event, Matsebula said the health sector depends heavily on research to inform policy development, planning and service delivery. He said the board plays a key role in safeguarding research participants, noting that it processes more than 100 research ethics applications each year.
Matsebula said the board is responsible for ensuring that all health and human research conducted in the country complies with national laws and international best practice, including ethical guidelines set by the World Health Organization and UNESCO. He told the newly appointed members that their role required integrity and sound judgment, as ethical review often involves balancing scientific advancement with human values.
Matsebula also assured the board of the ministry’s support, saying it was committed to providing an enabling environment through adequate resources, transparency and strong governance systems.
Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Khaya Mabuza said the newly appointed board comprised respected professionals drawn from various fields. He said Eswatini ranked among leading countries in the SADC region in terms of research and ethical standards, adding that the outgoing board had raised expectations for research governance. He urged the incoming members to build on that foundation and maintain high ethical standards.
Members appointed to the board are Professor Tengetile Dlamini, Professor Samuel Mndzebele, Dr Mduduzi Shongwe, Dr Vuyo Gama, Dr Bernhard Kerschberger, Dr Siphiwe Thwala, Sibongile Magongo, Dr Caspian Chouraya, Bongani Dlamini, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, Hlobisile Nkambule Bhembe, Rev Dr J ohaness Mazibuko and Babazile Shongwe, who will also will serve as secretary of the board.
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