Mbabane – The Ministry of Health has formally launched the Health Advisory Standing Committee, a body created under the Health Act of 2003 to guide national health policy in the Kingdom.
The committee was unveiled on Wednesday by Minister for Health Honourable Mduduzi Matsebula in Mbabane. It is mandated to advise the minister on matters relating to the protection, promotion, improvement and maintenance of the health of the population.
The 13 member committee is chaired by Principal Secretary for Health Khanyakwezwe Mabuza and brings together voices from the public and private health sectors, civil society, Parliament, public administration, faith based health institutions and the legal field. 
Members include Principal Secretary for Public Service Mthunzi Shabangu, Director of Health Dr Velephi Okello, Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile Dlamini, private sector medical specialist Dr Phetsile Dlamini and public sector general practitioner Dr Samkeliso Shabangu. Other members are civil society representative Thembinkosi Dlamini, Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital chief executive officer Muzi Dlamini representing faith based health organisations, Lungile Dlamini from urban development, logistics specialist Simphiwe Kunene, Dr Jabulile Malaza representing Parliament, procurement and supply chain expert Bongani Chauke and legal practitioner Kwanele Magagula.
The committee will serve a term not exceeding three years.
Speaking during the unveiling, Matsebula said the committee begins its work at a time when the ministry is undertaking major changes within the health sector. He called for integrity and commitment from members as they carry out their duties.
Mabuza said the committee was ready to support the minister and the ministry in implementing key health reforms. He said members would soon convene to agree on their scope of work and operational approach.
