STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER

 

DR B.S.S.DLAMINI

 

AT THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW NERCHA COUNCIL

 

AT THE NERCHA OFFICES

 

WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013

 

 

Chairman and Members of the new NERCHA Council

Director and Senior Management of NERCHA

Ladies and Gentlemen

 

In the early 1980s, HIV, the most destructive pandemic in living memory, came to the world out of nowhere. Thirty years on, as far as a vaccine or a cure for HIV is concerned, the world is still nowhere. At least, nowhere near its goal.

What has, however, changed dramatically over those years, and especially in the past decade, is the transformation of HIV (and ultimately AIDS) from killer disease to chronic medical condition. By all accounts, thanks to medical research and progress, as well as the generosity of our development partners and the multi-sectoral commitment of our own people, the Kingdom of Swaziland has been at the forefront of countries which have achieved a significant impact with their implementation programmes.

As a country, we have learned, grown and matured in the course of delivering our National Response. We now have most of all the skills, systems and structures in place to respond meaningfully, with two primary objectives constantly in mind: to save lives and reduce – hopefully, eliminate - new infections.

It is important to note that the change we have seen in our National HIV and AIDS Response has been greatly assisted by the commitment and leadership provided by Their Majesties following the declaration of HIV and AIDS as a National Disaster. Alongside this commitment, the Government of Swaziland has created an environment wherein interventions can be facilitated with a minimum of delay or obstacle.

You will recall that the purpose of establishing NERCHA was to create an agency that would lead a multi-sectoral and multi-level response to HIV and AIDS. As we greet the fourth National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS, it is important for us to acknowledge that, although we have not yet crossed the finish line, a great deal of progress has been made.

In the first instance, that most crucial of outcomes, the death rate from AIDS-related ailments, has gone down substantially. People are living longer. That in itself is cause for much celebration. Thanks to the life-saving anti-retroviral treatment (ART) that has been rolled out nationally, we have made the drugs available to more than 89% of the people who need them. We note, too, that initiatives like prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and AIDS has gone down to less than 2%, making Swaziland one of the shining examples on the continent of Africa in this particular area of the Response. There can, arguably, be no greater gift to the many thousands of children born to HIV-positive mothers than to be born free of HIV. Thank you, everyone who has played a part in achieving that!

But we still have too high a rate of new infections. This might seem extraordinary, given the amount of knowledge acquired by the population over the past years. Whether the obstinacy of this particular statistic is a function of the fact that HIV, properly managed, is no longer a certain death sentence, is not really known. What is, however, vital is that our people must still be made aware that, as a chronic medical condition, HIV infection requires life-long medication. Not to be treated lightly at all.

Our country has been a leader in implementation. Let us also be decisive and efficient in dealing with new developments such as “Treatment as Prevention.” I am aware that this initiative is currently being piloted in selected strategic points. Once those pilot projects have been concluded, the NERCHA Council should look at what is in the best interest of the country in accelerating prevention of HIV and AIDS.

Bringing forward the entry level for ART from a CD4 count of 200 up to 350 has certainly served two valuable purposes. It is medically proven that the earlier ART is commenced the greater is the long-term boost to the immune system. Furthermore, the ART reduces viral load and thus the spread of the disease. There can, therefore, be no more powerful incentive to test for HIV as early as possible.

As a country we commend the role and commitment of local leadership, particularly chiefs, who are actively involved in programmes to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS. There are structures too, which chiefs support, to make a meaningful change in the lives of children who are vulnerable and orphaned, partly due to the challenge of HIV and AIDS. We do hope this will continue so that the country becomes a classic case of a well-coordinated response.

The Kingdom has set itself the challenging target of halving the HIV incidence rate by 2015. Whilst this may appear somewhat ambitious, we remain committed as a country to realize it. I take this opportunity to encourage the new Council to provide intensive guidance and support to NERCHA so that this target is realized.

There are two other areas that require special attention. There is, firstly, the need to energetically address the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV and AIDS, since studies show their heightened vulnerability. The contemporary wisdom on this subject, especially the in the area of gender-based violence, is well researched and documented.

The other issue is the ongoing stigmatization of the disease among many in the population. We continue to read of the most unfair and inhumane attitudes, as well as some of the myths, towards those who have been infected. This is a disease that should attract sympathy and support like any other infection. Only where there is the careless or willful spread of the disease should there be harsh judgment. While there is stigma and negative discrimination the disease is driven underground with the resultant loss of hope, self-esteem and consideration for others. These negative characteristics do not assist in reducing the spread of infection.

I urge the Council to provide the necessary leadership on what specific interventions will help to achieve a drastic reduction in new infections.

One of the key challenges of the HIV and AIDS response across the world is the shrinking of resources. We are immensely grateful to all our development partners who have provided resources and enhanced skills to complement Government’s efforts. These have gone a long way in helping us to achieve a significant amount of progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As resources are getting scarce, the country is now taking the “investment approach” route. This is about prioritizing interventions that will bring about the biggest impact in the HIV and AIDS response. In that way, we can maximize the use of limited resources at our disposal.   It is expected that Council will help to identify and create a broader resource base for the HIV and AIDS response.

 

It remains for me to express my best wishes to the new NERCHA Council and to the future work of both the Council and Management of NERCHA. I take the opportunity to add the unfailing commitment of support for the National Response from my Office, and from the rest of Government.

 

It is now my honour, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, to declare the new Council of NERCHA duly launched.

 

Thank you.