ENGABEZWENI: King Mswati has expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States (US) for the ongoing HIV prevention program after the launching of Lenacapavir.
The Lenacapavir drug is a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention (PrEP) medication, Eswatini became the first African country where the drug was officially launched.
Addressing thousands of eMajaha on Saturday at Engabezweni Royal Residence marking the end of the annual Incwala ceremony, the King applauded the United States for thinking about Eswatini when launching the HIV prevention drug.
“As Eswatini, we really appreciate this health program seeking to fight HIV/AIDS but Majaha, I would like to urge you to prioritize your health. After taking the HIV prevention drug, don’t start being negligent about your life by sleeping around just because you have taken an HIV prevention drug,” said the King.
On another note, the King urged emaSwati to maintain peace so that, other countries like the United States could continue perceiving the country as a suitable place for the launching of such programs.
“It’s really humbling to see other countries thinking about Eswatini for such health programs, so we must continue to maintain peace so that the world could continue perceiving us positively, when launching such programs,” he said.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa, has a positive world record in the fight against HIV/AIDS after reducing new HIV infections.
King Mswati was previously applauded for playing a significant role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, he declared the virus “Indzaba Yetfu Sonkhe” over twenty (20) years ago, resulting to emaSwati, Government and privately owned companies coming together to fight HIV/AIDS.
Companies and Government introduced HIV prevention including anti-discrimination policies in the workplace, Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) , behavior change programs and the importance of taking Antiretroviral (ARVs) after testing positive.
The media, after wide consultation with stakeholders, introduced the non-disclosure of emaSwati’s HIV status without consent as part of journalism ethics and this, was done in an effort to contribute to positive change in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
King Mswati during the end of Incwala event at Engabezweni Royal Residence (courtesy picture).