Mbabane – The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development has released new findings revealing that nearly 47 percent of children in Eswatini suffer from deprivation in three or more critical areas such as nutrition, health, education, and housing.
Principal Secretary Thabsile Mlangeni, speaking on behalf of Minister Dr. E.T. Gina, presented the second Multi-dimensional Child Poverty Analysis during a workshop held on July 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane.
The report breaks down child poverty across eight dimensions—nutrition, health, child protection, education, water and sanitation, housing, and access to information—to provide a clear picture of where the country’s youngest citizens are most vulnerable.
Rural areas are hardest hit, with 51.8 percent of children experiencing multiple deprivations, compared to 23.1 percent in urban centres. Among regions, Lubombo faces the highest child poverty rate at 55.4 percent, while Hhohho has the lowest at 39.5 percent.
This analysis updates the initial 2018 study and aligns with the country’s National Development Plan target to reduce child poverty from 56.5 percent in 2016 to 40 percent by 2027. The findings also support commitments to key Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, hunger, and inequalities.
Mlangeni said tackling child poverty requires a coordinated approach across government sectors. Efforts underway include strengthening social protection schemes, improving access to quality health, education, and sanitation services, and expanding economic opportunities for vulnerable families.
The Ministry thanked development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their technical and financial support in producing the report.
Discussion about this post