NGABEZWENI — His Majesty King Mswati III has urged the nation to embrace pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of the fight against HIV and AIDS, while reaffirming abstinence and responsible behaviour as the foundation of a healthy society.
The King made these remarks on Saturday at Ngabezweni Royal Residence while addressing Libutfo, Ingaja and members of the public following the conclusion of cultural activities that began with Incwala.
Addressing the nation, His Majesty said PrEP played a critical role in reducing the spread of HIV in the country. He explained that once people began using the medication correctly, the impact of the virus would be greatly reduced.
“Once you have taken PrEP, HIV and AIDS will no longer have much effect in the lives of the people. However, inasmuch as there is PrEP, people should also abstain from sexual activities. The medicine and drugs that the country has received from abroad have been distributed to various areas around the country,” the King said.
He reassured the nation that although some people might not yet have received the medication, it would eventually reach everyone who needed it. He urged the public not to shy away from the treatment, emphasising that it was safe and effective.
“This medication is administered once in six months. A person who is afraid of injections may find it difficult, but if one wants to live, they will continue taking it every six months,” His Majesty said.
The King stressed that PrEP was a powerful tool in the country’s fight against HIV, urging the nation to accept it just as it had done with other public health interventions in the past.
“This is good medication and the nation must take notice of it. If we want to fight and conquer this disease, we should take it. Just like emalawini, when throwing away injobo, we said we conquered malaria — and we will also conquer HIV and AIDS. Today, there is hope. When the whole country receives this medication, the nation will be in good health,” he said.
His Majesty added that the country would be recognised internationally for its progress in combating HIV and AIDS. He noted that while in ancient times Libutfo did not mix with other nations, modern cross-border interaction made it even more important to protect the nation’s people.
The King further encouraged Ingaja from other nations to join Libutfo during Lusekwane, where they would learn local traditions and customs. He explained that participants should be taught how to cut the largest shrub and carry it on their shoulders, as Lusekwane was not transported by any means but carried by hand.
He noted that currently only the senior regiment (Ngengeni) participated from abroad.
His Majesty also encouraged Libutfo living outside the country to bring Ingaja who would demonstrate enthusiasm, strength and willingness to learn about local culture.
“When they take the long walks to Esikhaleni, their health improves and they receive blessings from the songs that are sung. They carry those blessings with them. That is why these songs are only sung during this time,” the King explained.
He added that when Libutfo from abroad return to their countries, they carry with them the spirit of blessings, happiness, success and good fortune received locally during Incwala.
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The King also spoke about the peace prevailing in the country, saying it was evident both locally and beyond the borders. He noted that the Kingdom continued to enjoy good standing in the international community.
“We have reached this far because of peace, mercy and protection from God and our ancestors. That is why the nation remains strong to this day,” he said.
Acknowledging that challenges would always arise, His Majesty said it was encouraging to see the country remain united, happy and peaceful. He described peace and unity as the foundation upon which national success would be built.
The King concluded by saying that with continued unity, discipline and faith, the Kingdom would remain stable, progress economically, and safeguard the health and wellbeing of its people.
