Mbabane, 9 August 2007 -- The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland the Right Honourable Mr Themba Dlamini today acclaimed WHO's technical and financial support in the formulation of the "milestone" National Health Policy document for the Kingdom of Swaziland. Speaking before an audience comprising, some cabinet ministers, members of both Housed of Parliament, members of the diplomatic fraternity, heads of UN agencies and staff, health workers, academics, and media, during the National Policy launch this morning, the Prime Minster said that "I have to admit that the launch of this policy today brings hope and momentum to the nation that His Majesty's government is committed to see a dynamic shift in the Health Sector".

The advent the National Health Policy comes at a critical era in the history of country health care delivery system. Government and indeed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in particular have been inundated with mordant public criticisms of failure to properly manage the country's health system. To many, the policy is seen as a new start and a guiding rod in meeting the health needs of the nation. "It is a challenge to every health worker and support staff to see to it that we make a difference in our respective areas of concentration....This fanfare will be meaningless if this policy is going to be shelved and collect dust in your offices. The policy cannot operationalize itself, it needs dedicated individuals with love and passion for the country and citizens", the Prime Minster stressed.

In a very clear message to all health workers, the Prime Minister accentuated the point that the nation expected them to deliver competitive health services. In this regard, he called upon the technical team working on the strategic plan to speed up its finalization too because it is the strategic plan that will unpack the policy and achieve the desired goals.

Speaking during the same occasion the World Health Organization Representative Dr Edward T. Maganu congratulated the government of Swaziland for finalizing the National Health Policy and subsequently launching it. He acknowledged that the policy has come at the most opportune time-a time when the health sector is faced with growing challenges due to an increasing burden of disease; precipitated largely by newly emerging diseases such as HIV and AIDS, re-emerging ones such as Tuberculosis; the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and to rising expectations from the population served who are becoming more and more aware of the potential of modern medical technology.

Dr Maganu observed "that the policy is comprehensive and does not only address health services delivery in the public sector but is inclusive of the private and other subsectors, and also reflects the stewardship role of the Ministry of Health in the whole health sector." He emphasized that political will at national level remains paramount in the implementation of the policy.

For more information, please contact:

Office of the WHO Representative for Swaziland
2 nd Floor Lilunga House, Somhlolo Road
Mbabane