TOKYO – Eswatini’s National Public Health Laboratory has a presence in Japan, with one of its own currently undergoing specialised training in infectious disease management and laboratory biosafety.
Makhosazane Mawelela, Laboratory Manager at the Ministry of Health, is attending a course titled “Boosting Laboratory Techniques, Laboratory/Biosafety Management and Surveillance System for Infectious Disease Emergency Preparedness.” The programme is hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tokyo Centre and runs from 22 May to 5 July 2025.
Mawelela is representing Eswatini among participants from nine countries. The course is being conducted in partnership with Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and covers advanced diagnostics such as qPCR and sequencing — tools essential for early detection and surveillance of outbreaks. 
She said the experience has been both technical and personal, as the programme blends cultural exchange with cutting-edge scientific learning. Mawelela believes the skills acquired will strengthen Eswatini’s laboratory systems and improve the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
Eswatini, like the rest of the world, faced major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, recording over 75,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths.
