Executive Summary

The Health Sector is committed to providing quality health services that are aimed at reducing the diseases burden in the country, improving the health system capacity, and effective allocation of resources. A number of interventions were implemented to reach those objectives that are outlined in the National Health Policy and operationalised by the National Health Sector Strategic Plan. Even though the financial challenges were still prevalent the sector was able to realise a number of milestones. These milestones include:

Ministry's Administration

• Finalisation of Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan

• The Phalala Fund office is now functional at the Mbabane Government Hospital and the posts of the Phalala fund administrator, 2 nurses, 1 driver and 1 orderly positions were also filled.

• 8 of 9 Regional pharmacies now have computerized stock management system installed.

• Submission of Tobacco Products Control, Medicines and Related Substances, Pharmacy Bill, and Nursing Bills to parliament.

• Near Completion of Lubombo Hospital Phase 1

Preventive Services

• Total people enrolled on ART increased from 72,402 to 83,172 by Sept 2012.(This translates to 82% enrolled on ART)
• There was an Increase percentage of HIV positive pregnant women initiated in ART if CD4350, to reduce MTCT from 86% (estimate was 80%) in 2011 to 90% by end 2012.
• The percentage of HIV infected infants born to HIV positive mothers decreased from 12% in 2011 to 3% by end 2012.
• Immunization coverage of infants immunized against measles increased from 80% in 2011 to 85% by end of 2012.
• TB Treatment success rate increased from 68% in 2011 to 73%.
• Male circumcision was scaled-up by 9,977 for adults and adolescents (15 –49 year old males) and by 2,499 for neonates.
• 100 % of Malaria cases are diagnosed by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and or by slide microscopy.
• Despite the financial challenges the Ministry faced, it was able to implement some activities through the support of development partners which otherwise would not have been undertaken.
•  Despite the financial challenges the Ministry faced, it was able to implement some activities through the support of     development partners which otherwise would not have been undertaken.