REJOICE GETS GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR ROLE IN HIV/AIDS FIGHT

MBABANE – Deputy Director of Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health Rejoice Nkambule, has received a global recognition for her role in dealing with HIV and AIDS in the country.

Nkambule was recognised by the Division of Global HIV and TB (DGHT) Centre for Global Health (CGH) council leadership. Worth noting is that the month of March is the international women’s month. The organisation was highlighting committed women in the health field who have inspired global leaders. “As we close Women’s History Month, we want to continue highlighting committed women from the field, who are inspiring global health leaders. Mrs Rejoice Nomathemba Nkambule has been at the helm of the Kingdom of Eswatini HIV/TB response since 2007, serving as the Deputy Director of Public Health Services, providing unwavering leadership with strong collaborations throughout the MoH, US Government, international and local implementing partners to achieve concrete results,” reads the recognition memoir that was published by the leadership, in part.

Leadership

The council leadership added that through Nkambule’s leadership, Eswatini made significant strides in closing gaps in HIV-related service delivery for all adults. The government and the United States (US) President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) announced the results of the 2021 Eswatini Population-based HIV Impact Assessment survey, locally known as ‘SHIMS3’, which demonstrate sustained progress towards the ambitious United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets set for 2025. SHIMS3 revealed that in Eswatini, 94 per cent of adults 15 years and older living with HIV were aware of their status, 97 per cent of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 96 per cent of those on ART had achieved viral suppression.

To confront one of the most severe HIV epidemics in the world, Eswatini used data-driven approaches to increase the number of persons tested for HIV, adopted ‘test and treat’ for rapid initiation of ART for persons testing HIV-positive, and enhanced national capacity for viral load testing to monitor the response to ART. To secure further gains, Eswatini implemented six-month dispensation of ART and decentralised distribution of medication and health services at community access points beyond health facilities. The combined effect of these strategies minimised treatment interruptions and supported strong outcomes, including viral suppression. With that said, the organisation stated that the tremendous strides were as a result of good leadership, where at the helm of it was Nkambule.

Partnerships

“The power of partnerships and leadership is reflected in these results and will continue to play a critical role moving forward,” stated the council. In the statement, former US Ambassador to Eswatini Jeanne Maloney said Eswatini exemplifies the tremendous progress that could be made when governments, multilaterals, partners, and civil society come together with a unified purpose. In 2019, HIV Stigma Index report concluded that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to healthcare and that the Government of Eswatini had made significant strides in dealing with HIV-related stigma and discrimination. However, they further noted that discriminatory attitudes and prejudice against PLHIV existed in communities and manifested through gossip during social gatherings. Disclosure of HIV status is still difficult for people living with HIV. “Nkambule is recognised for her impactful work rooted in dedication and strong commitment to improving the lives of the Kingdom of Eswatini citizens,” stated the organisation. In an interview, Nkambule said she was grateful and humbled by the recognition. “It made me reflect on the wonderful opportunity I’ve had to serve the nation, more especially in the area of HIV and AIDS,” she said.

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