By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Mduduzi Matsebula, the eSwatini Minister of Health has released a statement confirming that, the country’s reliance on foreign donors while taxpayers monies are used to sustain the lavish lifestyles of those in power has grounded the health system.

“The Executive Order by United States President Donald Trump is set to negatively impact the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini in the HIV and TB response, particularly the assistance that is received through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief(PEPFAR), which is solely funded by the US Government”, said the Health Minister in a statement released on Wednesday.

The Ministry then mentioned various Non Governmental Organizations(NGOs) in eSwatini whose operations “are funded by PEPFAR and this  include The Luke Commission,CANGO, NERCHA, PSI, ICAP, CERA, Kwakha Indvodza, Bible Society and AMICAALL” among others.

“Overall, the consequences of a halt in PEPFAR funding could include: struggle to maintain HIV Viral Suppression and reduce HIV-related mortality; reversal of 95%-95%-95% gains made in HIV prevention, treatment, and care; increased HIV transmission rates,morbidity, and mortality; overburdened healthcare systems to higher demand and limited support. There also could be greater social and economic impacts on communities, especially vulnerable groups like women, youth, and key populations, particularly in the event of job losses”, reads the statement in part.