ESWATINI is taking a bold step to transform its healthcare system by partnering with Belarus, aiming to improve access to essential medicines and facilitate knowledge exchange between healthcare professionals from both countries.
Historic agreement
An Eswatini delegation led by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini signed a comprehensive healthcare roadmap with Belarus during a weeklong visit in late June. Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart highlighted that the agreement will unlock new access to medicines, medical equipment, and training opportunities, potentially resolving many of Eswatini’s healthcare procurement issues.
‘We look forward to long-term collaborations with Belarus. Our goal is to have reciprocal relations where we can export quality products to Belarus and procure what we need for Eswatini,’ Stewart said.
Addressing critical health challenges
Eswatini faces severe health challenges, including the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer globally and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, affecting over 27 percent of adults. The nation also suffers from a shortage of healthcare professionals and inadequate access to medical services in rural areas.
The World Health Organisation reports that Eswatini has 56 new cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women annually. For many patients, this has meant costly, life-or-death journeys to South Africa for treatment. Sheila Coleman, who lost her son and sister to chronic illnesses, expressed her frustrations: ‘I feel that the government has failed us. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness in this country is basically a death sentence,’ she told VOA.
Potential benefits and concerns
Dr. Thys Louren, a local physician, sees great potential in the partnership for job creation, skill development, and technology transfer. However, he cautions that there are critical questions to be answered. ‘What will Belarus gain from this joint venture? Is it for research purposes or to import consumables? If it’s for pharmaceutical production, it could significantly benefit Eswatini by stimulating the local economy and addressing medicine shortages.’
A ray of hope
This collaboration comes at a critical time for Eswatini, which is in dire need of improved healthcare services. The government hopes that Belarusian expertise will help usher in a new era of medical advancements in the country.
As Eswatini places its healthcare hopes in the hands of Belarusian expertise, the nation stands at a crossroads. The outcome of this partnership will determine whether Eswatini experiences a new era of medical breakthroughs or if the promise of a better healthcare system remains unfulfilled.
