AGP Executive Report

Nuclear safety for healthcare: Health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen public health systems and the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine, with the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the IAEA pushing countries to build stronger regulatory capacity and develop a regional action plan. Maternal health push: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife in Eswatini with a call to invest in more midwives, noting progress in lowering institutional maternal deaths and stressing that midwives are central to preventing avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. Mental health snapshot: WHO data highlighted suicide as a major mental health burden across Africa, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates in the region, underscoring the need for stronger mental health support. Health research funding: The Thanzi Programme’s Centre for Health Economics secured a grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage policy work across the region. Local health-adjacent policy: SANU students were told they will not receive extended living allowances for one month after a request for an extension was declined, following disruptions that affected the academic calendar.

Nuclear Safety for Healthcare: Senior health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safety for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Kenya’s regulator and the IAEA pushing for better regulatory systems, shared learning, and a new action plan. Maternal Health Focus: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife in Eswatini, urging urgent investment in midwives to cut preventable maternal deaths, noting institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). Mental Health Numbers: WHO data highlighted suicide as a growing mental health burden across the region, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates in Africa. Health Research Funding: Eswatini’s Thanzi Programme (CHE) secured a grant to expand health systems research and policy support into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage work across Southern and Eastern Africa. Gender in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among the participating countries, covering safe sport, safeguarding, leadership, and women’s health policies. Local Health & Wellness Angle: A new Eswatini-linked report also points to the role of safer systems and standards in health-adjacent sectors, from workplace safety to service delivery readiness.

Midwives & Maternal Health: UNFPA used International Day of the Midwife to push urgent investment in midwives, citing Eswatini’s progress in cutting preventable maternal deaths (33 in 2021 to 23 in 2024) and warning that stronger midwifery is key to ending avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. Mental Health: WHO data flags a heavy mental health burden in the region, with South Africa reported at the fourth-highest suicide rate in Africa (21.1 per 100,000) and Eswatini listed among the highest rates (31.0), underscoring the need for better prevention and support. Health Policy Research: The Thanzi Programme’s Centre for Health Economics (CHE) secured a new grant to expand health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage work and policy development with local ministries and universities. Gender & Safe Sport: The ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum opened in Victoria Falls, bringing together Southern African Olympic committees (including Eswatini) to focus on women in leadership, safeguarding, athlete welfare (including maternity rights), and tackling online abuse. Domestic Violence & Emotional Abuse: A 24-year-old woman in Eswatini was sentenced to four years for emotional abuse and malicious damage under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, highlighting ongoing legal action around harm to safety, health, and wellbeing. Workforce & Health Systems Capacity: A regional mental health workshop in Johannesburg (with Eswatini among participants) is set to share country experiences and require rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of a major global summit in Kigali.

Midwifery Push: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife with a call to invest in more midwives, saying stronger midwifery care is one of the most effective ways to cut preventable maternal deaths; Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths reportedly fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). Mental Health Watch: WHO-linked reporting highlights suicide as a growing mental health burden across the region, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates in Africa. Health Research Funding: The Thanzi Programme (CHE Thanzi Konse) secured a new grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage and policy use across Southern Africa, including work that builds on Eswatini partnerships. Maternal Health Systems & Policy: The same regional mental health workshop coverage points to country-level planning for mental health landscape analysis ahead of a global summit. Local Health & Safety Context: A report on a woman’s death after withdrawing an assault case raises renewed questions about protection orders and follow-up safety after court processes. Alcohol & Public Health: A 2026 Data Commons report ranks Uganda highest for alcohol consumption in Africa, underscoring the wider need for harm-reduction and health risk responses across the region. Eswatini Health-Adjacent Governance: Eswatini’s $300m Taiwan deal for a strategic oil reserve is being debated amid poverty and unemployment concerns, with knock-on implications for public spending priorities.

Maternal health push: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife with a call to invest in more midwives, saying empowered midwives are central to cutting preventable maternal deaths; it noted Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). Mental health spotlight: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote a regional mental health learning workshop in Johannesburg, with WHO data showing depression and anxiety remain major burdens across Africa, including eSwatini. Suicide rates warning: WHO figures place Eswatini among the highest suicide-rate countries in Africa (31.0 per 100,000), underscoring the growing mental health strain. Health research funding: The Thanzi Programme’s Centre for Health Economics secured a grant to expand health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage and policy use across the region, building on work that includes Eswatini. Domestic violence case: A 24-year-old woman in Hhohho was sentenced to four years for emotional abuse and malicious damage under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, including insults and damaging property. Workforce and health systems: A regional mental health meeting and midwife investment both point to the same theme: strengthening frontline care and support systems.

Maternal Health Push: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives, saying “one million more midwives” could save over four million lives annually, while noting Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). Mental Health Focus: WHO-backed East and Southern Africa mental health workshop in Johannesburg will bring eSwatini and other countries together to map mental health priorities and share best practice ahead of the Kigali summit. Health Policy Research: The Thanzi Programme (CHE) secured a grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage and policy use. Regional Health Governance: SADC Justice Ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, a move that could affect cross-border movement and public health planning for travellers. Local Health Workforce & Access: SANU students face a one-month gap in living allowances after government declined an extension, with health sciences students affected during a disrupted academic calendar. Suicide & Mental Burden: WHO data shows Eswatini (31.0 per 100,000) and South Africa (21.1) among the highest suicide rates in Africa, underscoring rising mental health strain. Health & Safety in Industry: SKF’s single-line grease system upgrade supports safer, more efficient operations at six sugar mills in Eswatini, aligning with health and safety standards. Domestic Violence Case: A 24-year-old woman in eSwatini was sentenced to four years for emotional abuse and malicious damage under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.

Mental Health: WHO data puts Eswatini among Africa’s highest suicide-rate countries (31.0 per 100,000), with South Africa also ranking high (21.1), underscoring the urgent need for better mental health support. Maternal Health: UNFPA marks International Day of the Midwife with a push to invest in midwives, citing progress in Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths (33 in 2021 to 23 in 2024) and the global goal of “one million more midwives.” Health Research & Policy: The Thanzi Programme (CHE) secures a grant to expand health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage work and policy development across the region, including Eswatini-linked capacity building. Domestic Violence & Justice: A 24-year-old woman in Northern Hhohho is sentenced to four years for emotional abuse and malicious damage under Eswatini’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, after pleading guilty to multiple counts. Regional Governance: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda to support easier cross-border travel and tourism. Health Systems Capacity: WHO convenes a mental health inter-country learning workshop in Johannesburg with Eswatini among participating countries, focused on building country mental health landscape analyses and sharing best practice. Eswatini–Taiwan Health Links: Taiwan says it is assessing possible worker recruitment from Eswatini, with public health and employment rights flagged as prerequisites, alongside plans to upgrade Eswatini’s vocational training centres.

HIV Prevention Update: Eswatini has begun rolling out lenacapavir as a long-acting PrEP injection, expanding from five pilot sites to 27 sites and reaching about 3,000 people so far, with uptake reported as strong among women, youth and young adults. Maternal Health Focus: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife with a push to invest in midwives, citing progress in Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths (down from 33 in 2021 to 23 in 2024) while warning preventable maternal deaths still need urgent action. Mental Health Signal: WHO data highlighted a rising mental health burden in the region, with Eswatini listed among the highest suicide rates in Africa (31.0 per 100,000), underscoring the need for stronger support systems. Health Research Capacity: The Thanzi Programme secured a grant to expand health systems research and policy capacity into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage work across Southern and Eastern Africa. Community Safety & Justice: A 24-year-old woman in Northern Hhohho was sentenced to four years for emotional abuse and malicious damage under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, reflecting ongoing attention to domestic harm and wellbeing.

Maternal Health: UNFPA Eswatini is urging urgent investment in midwives under the “One Million More Midwives” push, saying stronger midwifery support is among the most effective ways to cut preventable maternal deaths; it notes institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). Mental Health: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote a WHO-led East and Southern Africa mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, where countries including eSwatini will develop rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of a Kigali summit in October. HIV Prevention: Demand for lenacapavir PrEP is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini among the first to receive the rollout after a pilot at five sites, now expanded to 27 sites reaching about 3,000 people. HIV & STIs Research: New analysis highlights how HIV and other sexually transmitted infections affect women of child-bearing age differently across regions, with HIV linked to severe long-term treatment needs and mother-to-child transmission. Health Systems & Safety: Eswatini’s health sector is also indirectly in the spotlight through regional discussions on workforce and service delivery, while South Africa faces growing scrutiny over unregulated cosmetic procedures and patient safety risks.

Maternal Health: UNFPA says investing in midwives is one of the fastest ways to cut preventable maternal deaths, pointing to Eswatini’s progress as institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). HIV Prevention: Lenacapavir PrEP demand is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini rolling out to more sites after a pilot, reaching about 3,000 people so far. Mental Health: South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will keynote a WHO-backed regional mental health workshop, bringing together countries including eSwatini to map best practice and develop rapid mental health landscape plans. HIV & Caregiving Research: New studies highlight how HIV differs from other STIs among women of child-bearing age, and how family caregivers carry heavy burdens during inpatient treatment. Policy & Governance: EU officials urged Eswatini to stay committed to multilateralism amid conflict and economic coercion, while separate reporting flags growing scrutiny around Eswatini’s Taiwan ties. Labour Rights: Eswatini says it is engaging South Africa to strengthen protections for migrant workers after allegations of exploitation and trafficking in sectors like mining and domestic work.

HIV Prevention Update: Demand for lenacapavir PrEP is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini the first country to receive rollout—after a pilot at five sites, distribution expanded to 27 sites reaching about 3,000 people, with uptake strong among women, youth and young adults. Mental Health Focus: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to deliver a keynote at a WHO-led East and Southern Africa mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, where countries including eSwatini will develop rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of a global summit in Kigali. Labour Rights & Migration: Eswatini says it is engaging South Africa to strengthen protections for local migrant workers after allegations of exploitation and trafficking by labour brokers in mining, forestry, agriculture and domestic work. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA Health Community is stepping up joint Ebola preparedness at regional borders following outbreaks in DRC and spread into Uganda, with coordinated emergency response plans across high-risk frontiers. HIV Burden Research: New analysis highlights how HIV/AIDS and other STIs differ in burden among women of child-bearing age from 1990–2021, reinforcing the need for targeted prevention and care. EU Diplomacy: The EU urged Eswatini to stay committed to multilateralism amid global conflict, coercion and political fragmentation.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Eswatini has begun receiving lenacapavir (LEN) as a twice-yearly PrEP option, with a pilot at five sites (Dec 2025–Feb 2026) expanding to 27 sites and reaching about 3,000 people so far, with uptake strong among women, youth and young adults. Mental Health Planning: South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi opened a WHO-backed regional mental health workshop that includes Eswatini, with countries expected to produce a rapid mental health landscape analysis aligned to the regional framework. Cross-Border Ebola Readiness: ECSA-HC and partner ministries are stepping up joint border surveillance and emergency response after Ebola spread from DRC into Uganda, with no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the strain driving the outbreak. Labour Rights for Emaswati Workers: Eswatini says it is engaging South African authorities to strengthen protections after allegations of exploitation and trafficking of local migrant workers in mines, farms, forestry and domestic work. US Deportations in Eswatini: Reuters reports US deportees are being detained in Eswatini, with multiple African countries agreeing to accept transfers; the deal reportedly includes payments to Eswatini and raises concerns about detention conditions, while HIV aid is noted as a major US support stream. Diplomacy & Health Context: Ongoing scrutiny of Taiwan–Eswatini ties continues, including criticism around high-profile visits and agreements that may affect governance and public priorities.

HIV Prevention: Demand for lenacapavir PrEP is outpacing supply across parts of Africa, with Eswatini already rolling out the twice-yearly injection after a pilot and expanding to more sites—though officials say more stocks are needed. Mental Health: South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote a WHO-backed regional mental health workshop that will help countries, including eSwatini, map mental health priorities and share best practice ahead of a global summit. HIV & STIs Research: New regional analysis highlights how HIV and other sexually transmitted infections affect women of child-bearing age differently, underlining the need for targeted sexual and reproductive health services. Labour Rights: Eswatini says it is engaging South African authorities to strengthen protections for Emaswati workers after allegations of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse by labour brokers. Deportations & Health: Reuters reports migrants deported from the US are being detained in Eswatini, with health officials describing trauma from detention—raising urgent concerns for care and humane handling. Energy & Equity: Eswatini’s $300m strategic oil reserve deal with Taiwan is drawing scrutiny as poverty and unemployment pressures mount.

HIV Prevention Update: Demand for lenacapavir-based PrEP is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini the first country to receive the rollout—reaching about 3,000 people across expanded sites after a pilot, with more stock expected. Mental Health Focus: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote WHO’s East and Southern Africa mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, where eSwatini and other states will develop rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of a Kigali summit. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC is stepping up cross-border Ebola readiness after cases spread from DRC into Uganda, with coordinated surveillance and emergency response drills across high-risk frontiers. HIV Burden Research: New analysis highlights how HIV/AIDS and other STIs affect women of child-bearing age differently across regions, with HIV driving major long-term morbidity and mortality. Labour Rights: Eswatini says it is engaging South Africa to strengthen protections for local migrant workers after allegations of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse in mining, agriculture, forestry and domestic work. Deportation Health Risks: Reports say deportees detained in Eswatini have faced poor conditions and trauma, as more African countries accept US removals under third-country deals. Cosmetic Safety Warning: South Africa’s unregulated aesthetics industry is drawing scrutiny, with concerns about invasive procedures being offered outside proper medical oversight.

HIV Prevention Update: Demand for long-acting HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir/PrEP) is outpacing supply across parts of Africa, with Eswatini the first country in the rollout—reaching 27 sites and about 3,000 people so far after a pilot, with two-thirds of recipients reported as women. Mental Health Spotlight: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to deliver a keynote at WHO’s East and Southern Africa mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, where countries including eSwatini will develop rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of Kigali’s global summit. HIV & Health Services Risk: A Reuters report says Eswatini agreed to host U.S. deported third-country migrants—19 detained so far near Mbabane—raising concerns about conditions and legality, while noting the U.S. was Eswatini’s biggest donor in 2024 with major HIV/AIDS funding. Labour & Health Safety: Government says it is engaging South Africa to strengthen protections for Emaswati workers after allegations of exploitation and trafficking in mines, farms, forestry and domestic work. Policy & Health Governance: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism during Europe Day celebrations, as global rules-based systems face pressure.

Mental Health Policy: Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote WHO’s East and Southern Africa mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, with countries including eSwatini expected to produce a rapid mental health landscape analysis ahead of the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in Kigali. HIV Prevention Supply: Demand for lenacapavir PrEP is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with eSwatini—first in the rollout—expanding to 27 sites and reaching about 3,000 people so far, including many women, youth and young adults. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA Health Community is stepping up joint Ebola preparedness across borders after cases spread from DRC into Uganda, focusing on high-risk frontiers and coordinated response systems. Labour Rights & Health Risks: Government says it is engaging South Africa to strengthen protections for Emaswati workers after allegations of exploitation, trafficking and abuse in mining, forestry, agriculture and domestic work. Migration & Health Concerns: Reuters reports eSwatini volunteered to host US “third-country” deportees despite legality questions; 19 have been detained near Mbabane so far, raising concerns about conditions and trauma. HIV & STI Burden Research: New analysis highlights how HIV and other STIs affect women of child-bearing age differently across regions, with HIV driving severe long-term treatment needs.