- PM says govt concerned of surging malaria cases
- Says govt is enhancing malaria prevention interventions
Mbabane: Eswatini must deal with surging malaria cases.
The surge in cases was disclosed by Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini on Friday during a press briefing at the SRA headquarters after a cabinet retreat that last a whole week.
The PM said, “Government notes with appreciation the strides made by our health sector in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other diseases such as TB and HIV/Aids. We are, however, concerned about the surge in malaria cases. Government is enhancing malaria prevention interventions.”
The premier highlighted that government will also implement strategies to improve procurement processes and ensure that there is a sufficient supply of drugs and food in hospitals, while also strengthening security.
On education, Dlamini said, “Government is aware of the challenges faced by the education sector and is in the process of rehabilitating schools that were recently damaged. The government will continue to support emaSwati students studying locally and abroad, subject to the availability of funds.”
He further disclosed that there is general consensus about the need for decentralization to bring services closer to the people. He said recent vandalism and arson attacks on 15 Tinkhundla centres impeded efforts towards decentralization.
“There was further agreed that the conditions of the Regional Development Fund need to be reviewed, so as to make it more accessible to emaSwati. The Kingdom of Eswatini is on track in terms of potable water and electricity coverage. Current interventions will be increasing potable water coverage from 67.4 percent to 78 percent,” he said.
The head of government added that the electricity access rate, on the other hand, is at an impressive 82 percent and current interventions are going to take them to 87 percent.
“Food security remains a priority. Therefore, the government will continue to implement initiatives that support food production, including the construction of large and small dams, better utilization of land, and farm input subsidy, amongst others. The government takes seriously the safety and security of the lives and livelihoods of all emaSwati. I appeal to the nation to remain unified in protecting our children and ensuring that their education is prioritized.”
He continued, “I take this opportunity to remind the nation about the importance of adherence to the constitution in whatever we do. I would like to reiterate the government’s commitment to improving the lives of emaSwati through providing opportunities and creating an environment in which emaSwati can thrive. We are looking forward to a great year; a year in which as a nation we will collectively work together to make Eswatini a country that we all aspire to live in.”
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