The U.S. Embassy in Eswatini is proud to announce that the United States is dedicating goods and services valued at nearly E94 million to the Kingdom of Eswatini’s efforts to combat COVID-19. This substantial assistance package will help the government of Eswatini prevent, detect, and respond to the virus. Specifically, the funding will:
· Equip hospitals, clinics, and public health institutions to care for COVID patients,
· Provide training, resources, and protection equipment to frontline medical workers,
· Help Eswatini increase and improve testing, surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities across the country,
· Develop education materials for and support communities in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and
· Support delivery of HIV and other critical medications to patients in their communities during the pandemic.
This contribution of U.S. support represents one of the many ways we are already assisting in Eswatini’s efforts to combat COVID-19. For example, the U.S. Embassy has already dedicated 22 medical and technical experts from PEPFAR, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Defense, and USAID to work directly on Eswatini’s COVID-19 response. These officials support national efforts, share technical expertise, provide training, and offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in responding to this unprecedented public health threat. Through direct funding to partner organizations we also are currently supporting 50 clinical and 1,926 facility and community-based support staff to support the government COVID-19 response.
This funding builds on the U.S. government’s long-standing investments in Eswatini to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, control TB and malaria, and build capacity to respond to other public health threats. The U.S. is the single largest donor to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Over the last 16 years, the U.S. government has invested more than $500 million in assistance to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Eswatini. These investments in the Swati health care infrastructure have saved countless lives and are now more valuable than ever. The same platforms needed for routine care and HIV/AIDS treatment are also critical to responding to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Today’s funding announcement demonstrates our strong and enduring commitment to helping build a stronger health system in Eswatini, protecting people who are most vulnerable from disease and working together to defeat COVID-19.
For more information on U.S. funding and response efforts to COVID-19, please visit: https://sz.usembassy.gov/