MBABANE – The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, has formally received the Letters of Appointment of Mr Alankar Malviya, who takes up the role of UNAIDS Country Director and Representative for the Multi Country Office covering Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa.
The engagement took place as the Kingdom continues to strengthen partnerships aimed at tackling HIV and AIDS, with government maintaining its position in the global push to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Shakantu spoke of the country’s continued commitment to the international agenda, noting that collaboration with development partners remains central to sustaining gains made over the years. She pointed to Eswatini’s progress in surpassing the 95 95 95 targets, a benchmark that tracks testing, treatment and viral suppression rates. 
Malviya arrives with experience in international development and public health, at a time when Eswatini is shifting focus from epidemic control towards long term health security. His appointment is expected to support ongoing efforts to close remaining gaps in the national response.
Particular attention is being directed at adolescent girls, young women and other vulnerable groups who remain disproportionately affected, despite the country’s broader success in managing the epidemic.
