AGP Executive Report

HIV Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warns that a 23% drop in global HIV prevention funding in 2025 could trigger a resurgence, with an estimated 1.2 million new infections and 570,000 AIDS deaths linked to the shortfall, even as countries like Eswatini show major progress since 2010. HIV Prevention Rollout: New regional updates at AIDS 2026 highlight lenacapavir (LEN) demand outpacing supply, with South Africa reporting rapid uptake at government clinics—useful context for Eswatini’s own prevention planning. Hepatitis Push: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health reports expanded hepatitis B and C screening, finding 1,240 hepatitis B positives and 2 hepatitis C positives, with calls for people to “know their status” early. Nutrition & Obesity: Nearly 29.2% of adult women are obese and 30.7% of women of reproductive age are anaemic; government is validating a National Food and Nutrition Policy (2026–2035) and Nutrition Bill to tackle the triple burden. Health System Governance: Former TLC staff allege expired drugs were dispensed and petition Parliament for health inspections and investigations into possible misappropriation. WHO Leadership Change: Prime Minister Mmiso Dlamini bids farewell to outgoing WHO representative Dr Susan Tembo Zimba, praising gains in universal health coverage and disease prevention. Beef Export Hope: EU signals optimism for resuming Eswatini beef exports after progress in controlling foot-and-mouth disease, stressing continued surveillance and biosecurity. Anti-Trafficking Focus: PM Dlamini calls for stronger vigilance against trafficking as networks shift tactics, including online scams targeting vulnerable people.

Governance & Health Finance: EswatiniMed shareholders ordered a restart of the board nomination process after an AGM procedure was found not to fully meet constitutional requirements, aiming to avoid future legal challenges. Hepatitis Prevention: The Ministry of Health reported expanded hepatitis screening and follow-up care after 26,422 people were tested for Hepatitis B (1,240 positive) and 455 screened for Hepatitis C (2 positive), with calls for more people to know their status. Nutrition & Public Health: Eswatini is validating a National Food and Nutrition Policy (2026–2035) and a Nutrition Bill to tackle the “triple burden” of undernutrition, obesity and diet-related disease; figures cited include 29.2% adult women obesity and high anaemia rates. HIV Response: At AIDS 2026, global leaders warned that HIV funding fell sharply in 2025 due to US cuts, threatening progress—while community voices stressed that people living with HIV must lead, not just be consulted. Data Privacy in Care: ESCCOM (as EDPA) began validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with health providers, insurers and pharmacies ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. Workplace Rights in Health: Former TLC staff petitioned Parliament over alleged unfair labour practices, including contract handling and unpaid benefits concerns.

Nutrition & Health Policy: Eswatini is validating its National Food and Nutrition Policy (2026–2035) and a Nutrition Bill to tackle the “triple burden” of malnutrition, with figures showing 29.2% of adult women are obese and 30.7% of women of reproductive age are anaemic. Hepatitis Push: The Ministry of Health reports expanded hepatitis screening and follow-up care, with 26,422 people tested for Hepatitis B (1,240 positive) and 455 screened for Hepatitis C (2 positive), as World Hepatitis Day activities continue. HIV Prevention & Access: At AIDS 2026, South Africa’s lenacapavir roll-out data shows 31,297 of Africa’s roughly 60,000 users are in South Africa, with 98.5% of eligible people choosing the twice-yearly injection over daily pills. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS and KFF warn global HIV funding fell 25% in 2025 due to steep US support declines, threatening progress and prevention services. Data Privacy in Healthcare: ESCCOM/EDPA is validating draft advisory guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with health providers, insurers and pharmacies ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. GBV Community Review: One Billion Rising Eswatini is reviewing community-driven strategies to end gender-based violence, focusing on what worked at grassroots level and how to strengthen implementation. Anti-Trafficking Network Growth: Talitha Kum says it reached 1.21 million people in 2025, expanding into Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Hepatitis push: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health reports expanded hepatitis screening and follow-up care, with 26,422 people tested for Hepatitis B (1,240 positive) and 455 screened for Hepatitis C (2 positive), as World Hepatitis Day messaging urges early testing to prevent silent liver damage. HIV prevention update: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, South Africa shared early lenacapavir (LEN) roll-out data showing 31,297 of Africa’s roughly 60,000 LEN users are in South Africa, with 98.5% of eligible HIV-negative people choosing the twice-yearly injection over daily pills—plus a reminder that LEN is not a vaccine. HIV funding warning: UNAIDS and KFF say global HIV response funding fell 25% in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, raising fears of treatment and prevention setbacks even as some countries (including Eswatini) report major infection reductions since 2010. Health data privacy: ESCCOM, acting as Eswatini’s Data Protection Authority, is validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with insurers, providers, pharmacies and insurers ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. GBV community review: One Billion Rising Eswatini is reviewing community-led strategies to end gender-based violence, aiming to measure what works on the ground and feed lessons into national plans. Workforce staffing: Government plans to fill 757 vacant posts this financial year, with health professionals making up 107 of 141 probationary appointments reported—supporting service delivery capacity.

Hepatitis push: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health reports expanded Hepatitis B and C screening, with 26,422 people tested for Hep B (1,240 positive) and 455 screened for Hep C (2 positive), as World Hepatitis Day spotlights early detection and prevention. HIV funding alarm: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, UNAIDS and KFF warn global HIV response funding fell 25% in 2025 due largely to US cuts, threatening progress even as some countries increase domestic spending. Lenacapavir rollout: Lenacapavir HIV prevention injections are being scaled across high-burden African countries, but supply constraints are already emerging as demand grows. Data privacy for care: ESCCOM (as EDPA) is validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with hospitals, insurers, pharmacies and insurers, aiming to publish enforceable rules under the Data Protection Act, 2022. GBV strategy review: One Billion Rising Eswatini launched a review of community-driven GBV prevention efforts over the past three years to strengthen what works and feed lessons into national plans. Climate preparedness: Umvalo Wesive urges early action for a possible El Niño, citing past drought impacts and warning of major human and economic losses. Adolescent wellbeing in schools: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education report 63% coverage of secondary school principals trained in Life Skills Education, including health, safety, relationships, mental wellbeing and HIV prevention.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, is being rolled out across several African countries including Eswatini, but demand is already outpacing supply and funding costs remain a concern. AIDS 2026 Funding Alarm: At the International AIDS Conference in Rio, UNAIDS and partners warned that global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025—driven largely by US cuts—threatening treatment access and prevention services just as countries aim for 2030 targets. Eswatini Data Privacy for Health: The Eswatini Communications Commission, acting as the Data Protection Authority, has begun validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with hospitals, insurers, pharmacies and insurers, ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act. Adolescent Wellbeing in Schools: UNICEF reports Eswatini has reached 63% coverage of secondary schools with Life Skills Education training for principals, covering health, safety, relationships, HIV prevention and mental health support. Labour & Health Link: ATUSWA is pushing for a minimum wage of E25 per hour for textile workers, arguing better pay supports workers’ rights and wellbeing. Court & Disease Control: Eswatini’s High Court ordered the repatriation of cattle unlawfully brought in from South Africa amid the foot-and-mouth disease fight.

HIV Funding Crisis at AIDS 2026: The 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV progress is at risk after a 25% drop in donor funding in 2025, driven largely by US cuts—threatening treatment, prevention, and community services. Local HIV/TB Momentum: A separate community message ahead of the 2030 deadline stresses that people living with HIV and TB survivors must be trusted to design and lead responses, not just be consulted. Eswatini Health Data Privacy: ESCCOM, acting as the EDPA, has started validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with MoH, providers, insurers, pharmacies and medical aid schemes, aiming for practical rules under the Data Protection Act. Adolescent Well-being in Schools: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education report 63% coverage of compulsory Life Skills Education training for secondary school principals, including health, safety, relationships, mental health and HIV prevention. Community Support via Sports: The PLE Charity Cup is seeking a E2 million title sponsor to fund club support and community needs like school supplies and medical requirements.

Health Data Privacy: ESCCOM, acting as the Eswatini Data Protection Authority, has started validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data, bringing together MoH, providers, insurers, pharmacies and medical aid schemes ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act. HIV & TB Funding Pressure: Community leaders at an AIDS 2026-linked PLHIV summit warn that with only 54 months left, slogans won’t end AIDS and TB—people living with HIV must lead, and donor funding cuts are putting progress at risk. Life Skills in Schools: UNICEF Eswatini reports 63% coverage of compulsory Life Skills Education training for secondary school principals, aiming to strengthen learner health, safety, relationships, well-being, HIV prevention and mental health support. AIDS Response Leadership: Eswatini-linked coverage highlights the wider Southern Africa push for stronger community power and partnerships as the 2026 International AIDS Conference opens in Rio. Community Health Support via Sport: Nedbank Eswatini pledges E500,000 to the Sibebe Survivor Walk, backing projects for vulnerable communities alongside the annual charity hike. Adolescent Wellbeing at Scale: Research across eight African countries looks at whether parenting programmes that work in trials still help families when delivered through routine services.

HIV Funding Crisis: New UNAIDS and KFF reports released at AIDS 2026 in Rio warn that global HIV response funding fell 25% in 2025, driven by a steep US decline—threatening treatment access as millions still lack antiretrovirals and prevention support. Community Leadership: PLHIV leaders say the world won’t hit 2030 AIDS and TB goals if communities are only “consulted”; people living with HIV must be trusted to design and run the response. Adolescent Wellbeing in Schools: UNICEF and the Ministry of Education report 63% coverage of compulsory Life Skills Education training for secondary school principals, with a focus on safety, mental health, HIV prevention, and reducing violence and gender-based violence. Health System Costs: MPs raise concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Care & Policy Gap: Families calling for repatriation support highlight a lack of a dedicated government fund for bringing citizens home after deaths abroad. Regional Health Supply Worry: A regional piece flags slow progress on SADC pooled procurement for medicines, even as shortages persist across hospitals and clinics.

Debt and health squeeze: A new Times of Eswatini report says government’s heavy borrowing under Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg may be pushing Eswatini into a debt trap, with debt service crowding out investment in infrastructure, education and health. FMD control: The High Court ordered the repatriation of six cattle bought in South Africa by a liSwati woman after the court found unlawful movement into Eswatini from an FMD-prevalent area. Workers’ pay push: ATUSWA launched a campaign demanding a minimum wage of E25 per hour, alongside stronger worker-rights protections and wage negotiation reforms, starting in Nhlangano and expanding to other textile hubs. Insurance market shift: Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC as the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums, reflecting intensifying competition. Health access costs: MPs raised concern over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. HIV prevention spotlight: Coverage highlights the lived experience of Vusi Matsebula and ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention messaging ahead of the International AIDS Conference in Rio.

HIV & Medicines: South Africa’s National AIDS Council CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing for local production of the anti-HIV injectable lenacapavir, pitching the plan at the International AIDS Conference in Rio amid donor funding pressure. Regional Health Systems: A SADC “medical procurement paradox” report warns that despite billions spent on medicines, shortages persist because the long-delayed SADC pooled procurement system still isn’t fully operational. Mental Health: A South African campaign is targeting men’s mental health and suicide prevention, noting men account for nearly 80% of recorded suicides and calling for safer spaces and earlier support. Access & Affordability: Eswatini MPs are raising concern over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) even after a government subvention, questioning value for money and patient affordability. Public Health Governance: Ehlanzeni District Municipality leaders in Mpumalanga outline responses to water shortages, illegal mining, gender-based violence and unemployment, linking clean-audit results to real service delivery. Cross-border Safety: A Liswati medical student reported missing after exams in Zambia is now believed to have travelled into South Africa, with searches and police follow-up ongoing. Health Leadership & Training: A story highlights how one rural healthcare staffing model—supporting rural students into health careers—helped ease shortages near Eswatini’s border. Health Policy Planning: Southern Africa policy analysts met in Johannesburg to explore cost-benefit approaches to stretch limited health and social budgets for better outcomes.

HIV & Prevention: South Africa’s National AIDS Council CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing for local production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir as the 2026 International AIDS Conference opens in Rio, amid donor funding pressure across the region. Regional Health Supply: SADC’s “medical paradox” remains stark as medicines and supplies still run short despite billions in spending, with slow progress on the long-approved pooled procurement plan. Mental Health: A South African campaign is tackling the stigma behind men’s mental health and suicide, noting men account for nearly 80% of recorded suicides and calling for safer spaces and community support. Access & Costs in Care: Eswatini MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Cross-Border Safety: A Liswati student missing after exams in Zambia has been traced to travel into South Africa, but her whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues. Health Systems & Governance: Questions are emerging about forensic audit firm Funduzi Forensic Services after its lead investigator’s absence was explained to Parliament in a probe tied to medicine recalls across Eswatini government facilities.

HIV & Prevention: South Africa’s National Aids Council CEO Thembi Xulu is heading to the 2026 International AIDS Conference in Rio with a push to bring the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir to local production, even as donor funding cuts squeeze HIV services across the region. Regional Health Systems: A SADC “medical procurement paradox” is still hurting clinics and hospitals: despite billions spent on medicines, shortages persist, and the long-delayed SADC pooled procurement plan remains slow to roll out. Mental Health: A South Africa campaign is spotlighting men’s mental health and suicide prevention, warning that stigma keeps many men and boys from seeking help. Access & Costs: Eswatini MPs are raising concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary people. Public Health & Mobility: Families in Zambia are searching for missing Liswati student Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, last heard from on July 6, with reports she travelled into South Africa but her whereabouts remain unknown. Health Diplomacy & Youth: SAIMUN 2026 wrapped up with 650+ student delegates from 14 countries including Eswatini, using youth diplomacy to build dialogue and leadership skills. Health, Environment & Land: Research on South Africa’s green energy rollout warns that solar expansion on rural communal land must protect community rights and consent to avoid repeating land dispossession.

Missing Person Update: Liswati student Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, last heard from on 6 July after exams in Zambia, has now been traced as having travelled from Zambia into South Africa, but her current whereabouts are still unknown; her family says the school confirmed she is missing, and they have intensified efforts with the Royal Eswatini Police Service after the missing person report was not yet officially documented. HIV Prevention & Care: South Africa’s HIV Prevention Indaba Findings Report launch featured Vusi Matsebula, one of Eswatini’s early openly HIV-positive advocates, recounting how fear and lack of information shaped his 1992 diagnosis journey—an emotional push for better HIV knowledge and support. Regional Health Systems: SADC’s “medical paradox” highlights how shortages persist even as governments spend billions, with slow progress on a regional pooled procurement system approved in 2017 to improve medicine availability and pricing. HIV Manufacturing Push: Thembi Xulu of South Africa’s National Aids Council is set to promote local production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir at the International AIDS Conference in Rio amid donor funding pressures. Mental Health: A South Africa campaign targets men’s mental health and suicide prevention, noting men account for nearly 80% of recorded suicides and calling for safer spaces and community support. Health Costs Scrutiny: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati.

HIV response and funding pressure: The 2026 International AIDS Conference opens in Rio de Janeiro (July 26–31) under the theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise,” with major speakers including UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima and South Africa’s deputy health minister Joe Phaahla—set against U.S. funding cuts that have hit HIV/AIDS services worldwide. Local HIV manufacturing push: South Africa’s National AIDS Council CEO Thembi Xulu is heading to the conference to push for home production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir, aiming to align government, industry and activists during a donor crisis. Regional health supply bottleneck: SADC’s long-delayed pooled procurement plan for medicines and medical supplies is leaving clinics and hospitals facing shortages despite billions spent on health procurement. Mental health alarm: WHO data highlights a suicide crisis across southern Africa, with Eswatini among the highest in the region; the figures add urgency to men’s mental health and stigma-busting efforts. Health system costs under scrutiny: Parliament raised concerns about high consultation fees at South Africa’s Luke Commission (TLC) despite government support, questioning value for money and affordability. Disability inclusion: UNESCO marks progress in Eswatini’s disability governance, supporting a CRPD-aligned National Disability Plan of Action with health and well-being as a priority area.

HIV Treatment & Local Manufacturing: South Africa’s National Aids Council CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing to make the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir locally, juggling drugmakers, government and activists as donor funding strains bite—she heads to the International Aids Conference in Rio to pitch the plan. Regional Health Supply: SADC’s “medical procurement paradox” persists: governments spend billions, yet clinics still face shortages, while a pooled procurement system approved years ago remains slow to roll out. Mental Health & Suicide: A regional WHO snapshot flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini among the highest rates in Africa—raising the urgency of men’s mental health support and stigma-busting. HIV Advocacy Story: Vusi Matsebula, one of Eswatini’s early openly HIV-positive advocates, relived how fear and misinformation shaped his diagnosis journey back in 1992. Health Costs Scrutiny: MPs raised concern over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite government subvention and medicine support, questioning value for money for patients. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO’s support helped Eswatini strengthen disability governance and operationalise a National Disability Plan of Action, including health and well-being priorities. Missing Student: A Liswati student in Zambia, Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, is feared missing after her phones went off following exams.