By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini might soon face an escalation of unplanned pregnancy,new infections of sexually transmitted diseases(STD's) and an increase of vulnerable children as rampant and/or uncontrollable corruption and looting of public funds within the Ministry of Health has resulted to Government struggling to provide free condoms and affordable contraceptives.

Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy and this include a device or medication.

Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is facing a health crisis and/or shortage of drugs triggered by rampant corruption within the Ministry of Health and the entire public administration.

A report compiled by Funduzi Forensic Services uncovered how over R1billion meant to purchase drugs was allegedly looted by SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff and other suppliers.

The country has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line and this means, a majority of the population cannot afford to buy condoms for protective sex.

A questionnaire was sent to Khanya Mabuza,the Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Health,however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Reached for comments on Friday morning, Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General(SG) of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union(SWADNU) confirmed that, Government “is struggling to purchase contraceptives adding that,more women are falling pregnant unplanned”.

On the issue of free condoms, Masangwane said,it would be dangerous if some places are facing shortage of same as that will increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

“You will recall that, Government recently announced that medication is now available but,I can assure you that there are no contraceptives”, said the Secretary General of the Nurses Union.

Responding to this publication,Colani Hlatswako,the Coordinator of the One Billion Rising, a women rights organizations said,shortage of contraceptives violates the sexual reproductive health rights of women.

“Shortage of contraceptives violates the sexual reproductive health rights of women because, a woman has a rights to decide whether she wants to get pregnant at that particular time or not. So we encourage the respect for human rights including the provision of services by Government that promote human rights including the right to healthcare”, said the One Billion Rising Coordinator.