US WITHDRAWAL FROM WHO TO AFFECT ESWATINI

Sir,
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has undoubtedly placed a tremendous strain on the infrastructure and economies of our country and Africa at large.
Our government has often been forced to prioritise health spending over other critical areas, sometimes leading to under-funded public services and infrastructure.
This leads to a notion that looks at government as a poor service provider. It is also true that pharmaceutical companies have significantly profited from the sales of antiretroviral drugs and other treatments.

The cost burden often falls disproportionately on developing countries like ours, which may struggle to afford these essential medicines without external assistance. Developed countries and pharmaceutical companies do benefit financially, which can create a sense of imbalance and frustration. The notion that funding for health in many African countries is more of a profit-driven endeavour rather than genuine support is echoed by many who have witnessed the challenges firsthand. There is certainly a need for greater accountability and transparency in how global health funds are allocated and spent. The US withdrawal from the WHO could indeed mark a new dawn for Eswatini, but it could go either way.

Re-evaluate

On one hand, it might be an opportunity for Eswatini and African countries to re-evaluate their health strategies and build more self-sufficient systems. On the other, it could mean a significant reduction in the resources and support that these countries rely on, potentially exacerbating existing health challenges. What remains crucial is that any future health policies and interventions must prioritise the well-being of people over profits. For our country to truly benefit, there must be a concerted effort to develop sustainable health systems that are less dependent on external funding and more focused on local needs and solutions.

My perspective calls for a more equitable and just approach to global health. Balancing natural immunity, scientific advancements and the socio-economic realities of developing nations, even though it’s no small task, but it is an essential one for creating a healthier future for all. The question remains, in a civilised world, do we still need health as a world policy? Or it must be shut down like asbestos as a world product, considering the harm health causes in the world under the pretence of help?

Eugene Howe

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