NED COURTESY VISIT TO TAIWAN AMBASSADOR
Friday, 23 August 2024
Mbabane - Since assumption of duties as NED at NERCHA, Dr. Nondu has prioritized partnership building meetings with key stakeholders in and outside of the HIV response. This week, among other partners, the NED paid a courtesy visit to Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini, His Excellency Jeremy Liang. She was accompanied by the HoC, Sphe and HoSI, Mr. Bheka Mziyako.
During the brief but worthwhile visit, the NED first explained that NERCHA is a government parastatal whose role is to provide leadership in the coordination and facilitation of the multisectoral emergency response to HIV and AIDS in Eswatini. Dr. Ncube went on to mention that the HIV response continues to scale-up HIV prevention efforts, with focus on reaching priority populations most at risk such as young girls and boys, men and key populations to promote behavioural change at community level. She said most of these interventions have been achieved through interpersonal communication, mass media as well as the use of technology including digital and social media.
Dr. Ncube then excitedly shared with the Ambassador how NERCHA is fresh from launching the new multisectoral HIV and AIDS strategy (NSF 2024-2028), aimed at meeting the 2030 global Ending AIDS targets. She then mentioned how the success of the strategy relied on support from partners in ensuring sustainability of the HIV and AIDS response, reduce new HIV infections and continue to strengthen health systems.
Ambassador Liang appreciated the courtesy visit and revealed that even though HIV and AIDS is not a huge challenge in Taiwan as it is in Eswatini, the Embassy pledged its full support to NERCHA where opportunities for collaboration arise. He encouraged NERCHA to come forth whenever there is need for support.
