The health of the nation is an important resource, one in which government will continue to invest. This declaration, made by Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, was immediately followed by a budget allocation of E2.42-billion to the Ministry of Health for its activities during 2022/23. Rijkenberg pointed out that the total amount translates into a per-capita outlay of approximately E2 069, which positions the Kingdom of Eswatini in the top 10 percent of health-spending throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Government noted with appreciation the health sector’s achievements in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic – as well as other diseases such as TB and HIV/AIDS – but was concerned about the surge in malaria cases. Prevention-measures are being enhanced, as are strategies to improve procurement processes incorporating all medicines.
Before detailing specific interventions, Finance Minister Rijkenberg said with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic: “Echoing His Majesty’s Speech from the Throne, let me take this opportunity to encourage Emaswati to continue to take advantage of the vaccines, as they remain our best line of defence as the world opens up and the disease is downgraded from public health crisis to manageable risk. We must embrace this new normal and take every action within our power to keep ourselves and our families safe, and return to a sustainable growth path.”
