Amid the drug crisis fuelled by, amongst other things, theft in the respective public health facilities, Inkhosikati LaMatsebula has called for accountability and firm action against those responsible for stealing supplies intended for Emaswati.
She expressed serious concern about corruption affecting the health sector, particularly the theft of government-supplied medication.
Inkhosikati described the issue as a direct threat to public health and national progress.
“Those stealing drugs must be removed. Their actions are stalling the progress of the health sector. Let us all fight this scourge together. I welcome constructive criticism, and I urge authorities to set traps for those stealing and laundering medicines,” she said during the launch of the Eswatini National Cervical Cancer Elimination Acceleration Plan (2024–2030) at Happy Valley Hotel yesterday.
The launch was attended by key national figures, including Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini, Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile, healthcare workers, church leaders, and school representatives.
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The event marked a major milestone in Eswatini’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and improve women’s health outcomes over the next five years. The Inkosikati also decried the rising number of unregulated or ‘mushrooming’ pharmacies which were suspected of selling government-issued drugs.
“Where is the law that governs these issues?” she said. “We hear reports that some drugs in these pharmacies are stolen from government stocks. These individuals must face the law, regardless of their identity or status,” she said.
She further acknowledged the ministry of health for its continued efforts to keep the health system functioning, despite challenges. She encouraged citizens to be patient when certain medicines are temporarily unavailable, saying the ministry was doing its best under difficult circumstances.
About the theme of the day, ‘eliminating cervical cancer’, Inkhosikati praised the parents who signed consent forms for their children to receive the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine.
“We owe the world to the upcoming generation. Let us protect our children, they are our future leaders. Today, we take a bold step in fighting cervical cancer,” she said.
She urged the nation to unite in this fight, stressing that women deserved a future free from the threat of cervical cancer. “Let us partner and fight cancer together. We are all connected. Let us support each other, especially those affected by illness. Loneliness can be deadly when someone is unwell.”
She also highlighted the progress made in rolling out HPV vaccines, improving access to treatment, and ensuring timely screening services. “These are signs that the country is heading in the right direction,” she noted.
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Dr. Susan Tembo described cervical cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region.
It claimed lives of mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives, often before they reach the age of 70.
“In 2022, nearly 350 000 women died globally from cervical cancer. Alarmingly, 94 per cent of those deaths occurred in low-and middle-income countries like Eswatini. These are not just numbers, they are lives lost to a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Cervical cancer is a clear sign of health inequality,” she said.
Tembo applauded Eswatini for launching a national plan that aligned with the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2020.
“The good news is that this is a fight we can win. Eswatini’s plan provides a clear roadmap. Across the African region, we have seen progress, but it is not enough. In 2022, only 31 per cent of eligible girls had received the first dose of the HPV vaccine, and only 16 countries had rolled out HPV-based screening at scale. What Eswatini is doing today is incredibly important,” she added.
Some of the major achievements by Eswatini included HPV vaccine coverage having reached 73 per cent since its introduction in 2023, a significant success in just over a year. Cervical cancer screening coverage among women aged 30 to 49 increased from 21 per cent in 2014 to 65.9 per cent in 2024, according to the latest STEPS survey. Screening services are now available in 90 per cent of health facilities nationwide, improving access for women across all regions.
She also applauded the ministry of health’s strong leadership, as well as partnerships with the Cancer Unit, EPI Programme, and Gavi, among others.
“These milestones are the result of strong political will, effective partnerships, and solid community mobilisation. But let me be clear: this plan will not implement itself. It is the people in this room, government officials, civil society, partners, and communities who must turn this plan into real action,” said Tembo.
