His Majesty King Mswati III yesterday directed that the chronic drug shortages in local public health facilities must stop immediately.
This was during the State Opening of the Third Session of the 12th Parliament at Lobamba, where he outlined a renewed national focus on health, economic transformation and social development.
His remarks come against a backdrop of longstanding challenges in the nation’s healthcare system, which many Emaswati have experienced as persistent medicine stock-outs since the COVID-19 pandemic and even before.
In an address that set the tone for the parliamentary year, His Majesty welcomed dignitaries, legislators and citizens, acknowledging 40 years of his reign and the collective efforts contributing to national progress.
He said while the Kingdom had undergone profound transformation — including increased life expectancy, expanded infrastructure and social welfare programmes — the health sector continued to face serious constraints affecting the everyday lives of citizens.
“We have heard the major outcry over drug shortages in our health facilities. As government is currently working to resolve this issue, we wish to state that from now onwards, these drug shortages should stop now,” the King said emphatically.
He called on government, health authorities and partners to implement sustainable solutions that ensure essential medicines are always available.
Shortages of medicines and medical supplies at public clinics and hospitals have been a recurring concern for no less than 20 years. The public has regularly reported gaps in essential drugs, long waiting times and inadequate staffing.
Recent Afrobarometer survey data shows that nearly nine in 10 people who visited a public health facility in the past year experienced shortages of medicines or supplies. More than seven in 10 rated government performance on basic health services poorly.
Many citizens have been forced to purchase medication from private pharmacies at unaffordable prices when public supplies were depleted.
It is well documented in local media and national reports that drug shortages worsened significantly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding existing weaknesses in the Central Medical Stores (CMS) procurement and supply chain.
Government audits and past parliamentary reports have highlighted systemic challenges over many years, including procurement delays, expired stocks and inadequate logistics.
To address these issues, government last year approved the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Bill to transform the CMS into a semi-autonomous agency aimed at improving efficiency in procurement, storage and distribution of medicines across the country.
This reform is expected to strengthen medicine availability once fully implemented.
During the Speech from the Throne, the King also urged continued vigilance in the fight against HIV/AIDS — a public health priority that has shaped national strategies for decades.
The country has made significant strides in combating the epidemic and was among the first in Africa to achieve global targets for HIV status awareness, treatment and viral suppression.
However, His Majesty reiterated that the nation was still at war with the virus, noting that transmission rates remained “unacceptably high”.
He highlighted the rollout of injectable Lenacapavir (PrEP), administered once every six months, as a key addition to prevention efforts that could significantly reduce new infections.
The King reminded young people of the importance of responsible behaviour, discouraging early parenthood and urging them to focus on education and meaningful careers before starting families.
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Although health issues featured prominently, the King’s address touched on a broad range of national priorities.
He challenged the nation to diversify its economy beyond reliance on external receipts, including SACU revenue, and to expand productive industries capable of creating jobs and bolstering national revenue.
Investments in tourism, energy security, agriculture, ICT and infrastructure development were underscored as pillars for sustainable growth.
His Majesty also expressed concern over climate-related agricultural setbacks, called for intensified education reform and emphasised the importance of combating domestic violence and gender-based abuse.
“As a country we remain concerned about the growing reports of domestic violence and abuse in the home, where the man who ought to protect the family turns against it and abuses his wife and daughters.
“These issues are worsened by alcohol and drug abuse, with some cases involving psychological challenges,” he stated.
The King urged citizens to report abuse early, stressing that extreme cases do not happen without warning and that communities often see the signs.
“As a country, we must take a firm stance against abuse and gender-based violence. Every girl, woman, boy or man deserves to be treated with respect,” he added.
On the international stage, he reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to regional cooperation through SADC and the African Union, particularly in peace and security initiatives.
In closing, the King announced that parliamentary debates would now be broadcast live to enhance transparency and public engagement and officially declared the Third Session of the 12th Parliament open.
