By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini commemorated the World AIDS Day at Hhukwini Inkhundla on Monday by officially launching the new Lenacapavir Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) prevention injection.

Addressing the Nation, the PM said Eswatini “aspires to reduce HIV new infections” to zero adding that, “this year’s commemoration is not just a symbolic observance” but a reminder to safeguard the gains made in the HIV response and the need to confront emerging challenges.

“We cannot be comfortable when thousands of our young people are newly infected with HIV every year. As parents, leaders, communities and as a nation, we must stand together to protect our children and youth, so they can pursue their education and dreams without the burden of unplanned pregnancies, HIV infection and violence hanging over their future. Overcoming disruptions and transforming the AIDS response means strengthening prevention, promoting behaviour change, encouraging abstinence, faithfulness and responsible choices, and ensuring access to condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision, PrEP and life-saving treatment for all who need it,” said the PM as quoted by Government online platforms.

On another note, the Prime Minister described the new HIV prevention injection as an innovation that “brings Eswatini closer to the vision of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030”.