Mbabane : The Government of Eswatini has been commended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its commitment to strengthening the country’s health system through sustained investment in immunisation programmes.
This was said by WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo during the launch of the National Immunization Strategy, the Social and Behaviour Change Strategy, and the Effective Vaccine Management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), held at Mountain View on Monday as part of the African Vaccination Week commemoration.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, Dr Tembo described the government’s decision to fully finance and procure 100 per cent of the country’s vaccines as a significant milestone. She said the move demonstrated national ownership, sustainability, and strong political will in safeguarding the health of the population.
She noted that Eswatini now ranks among a small number of countries globally that independently fund their vaccine programmes, highlighting this as a key step towards protecting the health and future of every child and community.
Dr Tembo said the launch of the three strategies marked a renewed commitment to strengthening health systems, expanding access to life-saving vaccines, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
She said immunisation remained one of the most effective public health interventions, with global data showing that millions of children still missed essential vaccines. According to the latest WHO and UNICEF estimates, global coverage for the third dose of the DTP vaccine reached 85 per cent in 2024, which is still below the 90 per cent target. She added that over 14 million children worldwide had not received a single vaccine dose, while nearly 20 million remained under- or unvaccinated.
In the African region, Dr Tembo said immunisation coverage continued to lag behind global targets. She stated that coverage for the third dose of the DTP vaccine stood at approximately 76 per cent, while the first dose of the measles vaccine was at about 71 per cent. She added that nearly one in five children in Africa missed essential vaccines, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Dr Tembo said these figures highlighted the need for increased and smarter investment in immunisation programmes. She noted that vaccination was among the most cost-effective health interventions, with evidence showing that every dollar invested could yield significant returns through reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
She explained that the National Immunization Strategy would provide a roadmap for improving service delivery, increasing vaccine coverage, and reaching underserved communities. She added that the Social and Behaviour Change Strategy would focus on building public trust, addressing misinformation, and encouraging positive health behaviours.
Dr Tembo further said the Effective Vaccine Management SOPs would ensure that vaccines remained safe and effective throughout the supply chain, from arrival in the country to administration.
She called for continued commitment to strengthening health systems, increasing domestic investment, improving supply chains, and prioritising equity in reaching zero-dose and underserved populations.
Dr Tembo said the African Vaccination Week served as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that every child had access to life-saving vaccines, adding that the strategies launched were a commitment to protecting lives and advancing national development .
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