The Eswatini World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Dr Susan Tembo presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Honorable Thuli Dhladhla.

The presentation of credentials took place at the Ministry, where the WHO Representative was warmly welcomed by the Minister to the Kingdom. Dr Tembo takes over from Dr Cornelia Atsyor who was the Representative for the past three years. Whilst preparing to join the Eswatini team, Dr Geoffrey Bisoborwa held the realms on an acting basis. In her remarks, the Minister requested WHO to assist the country in restoring the dignity of the health sector, especially in addressing the prevailing drug shortages. The Minister noted that the government invests a lot of money into the health sector, hence there has to be a solution to the drug shortages. When presenting her credentials, the WHO Representative extended greetings from the WHO Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus as well as the Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti. She further extended gratitude to the Government of Eswatini for accepting her nomination as the WHO Representative to the Kingdom. Dr Tembo further outlined that WHO’s overall focus is to support the government to build resilient and sustainable health systems. She assured the Minister that WHO is part of the task team that has been put together by the government to address the prevailing health issues, including supply chain system-related issues. She mentioned that the WHO's support to the government will focus on three areas: addressing issues around health inequity by supporting the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This will ensure that the population can access quality health services. Among the areas of immediate support is the review and extension of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan.

“The second area is health emergencies. You will recall that we recently had COVID-19 and Cholera. WHO will support the government to ensure that the country is prepared for all emergencies and can respond. WHO’s role is also to support the government to recover from emergencies” she stated.

The third area that WHO will focus on is healthy populations, where WHO promotes good health and well-being to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDGs).

Dr Tembo noted that even though there may be challenges in the health sector, there are milestones to be celebrated. In that sense, she acknowledged and commended the Government of Eswatini for the progress made in the health sector, especially in addressing the HIV epidemic and attainment of 90,90,90 global targets and progress made in reaching epidemic control and 95,95,95 global HIV targets.

“In addition, on behalf of the Director General and Regional Director for Africa, I would like to appreciate the Government of Eswatini for the ongoing collaboration and support to WHO. I would like to re-affirm WHO’s commitment to supporting Eswatini to improve the health of Emaswati."