MBABANE, Eswatini – The Eswatini Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), launched a new $18 million initiative today. The PEPFAR/Eswatini Nursing Leadership Initiative aims to empower nurses, the “backbone” of the country’s HIV response, according to U.S. officials.
The program will focus on equipping nurses with leadership and technical skills, bolstering recruitment and retention efforts, and ensuring continued access to high-quality healthcare for all Emaswati.
“Nurses are underrepresented in leadership positions,” stated Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Jolanta Mikiewicz at the launch ceremony. The initiative seeks to address this gap, ultimately strengthening the country’s ability to manage not only HIV but also emerging public health threats.