World Vision Eswatini Donates Vital Child Health Supplements to Ministry of Health

Mbabane — In a continued effort to improve child health and nutrition in Eswatini, World Vision Eswatini (WVE) has handed over 48,000 tablets of Vitamin A and 24,000 tablets of Albendazole (400mg) to the Ministry of Health. The donation, valued at approximately E55,500, supports the government’s initiatives to combat malnutrition and promote healthy growth among children.

The donation ceremony took place yesterday at the Ministry’s headquarters, where WVE National Director, Mr. Amos Zaindi, presented the health commodities to Minister for Health, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula, represented by Principal Secretary, Mr. Khanya Mabuza.

Zaindi explained that the contribution was a response to identified needs shared by the Eswatini National Nutrition Council, and forms part of World Vision’s ongoing partnership with the Ministry. The supplies were provided through World Vision U.S. Programs under the organisation’s Gifts-In-Kind (GIKs) Programme.

“This support aligns with our global ENOUGH Campaign, which seeks to end child hunger and malnutrition,” Zaindi said. “We believe that ensuring access to essential supplements like Vitamin A and Albendazole contributes significantly to a healthier future for Eswatini’s children.”

Vitamin A plays a key role in strengthening the immune system, supporting vision, and promoting proper growth in children, while Albendazole helps eliminate intestinal worms that contribute to malnutrition and anaemia.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, PS Mabuza thanked World Vision for the timely support, emphasizing that supplementation remains crucial for children under five.
“Worm infections compromise the gut lining and steal essential nutrients, contributing significantly to malnutrition and anaemia,” he said. “By administering Albendazole, we ensure that the food our children eat nourishes them—not parasites.”

The event was also attended by Ms. Siniketiwe Zwane, Programme Lead at the Eswatini National Nutrition Council, who commended World Vision’s sustained support towards improving child nutrition.

In his remarks, Zaindi further appealed for the finalisation of the National Nutrition Policy, which has remained in draft form since 2015, saying its implementation would provide a strong framework for addressing malnutrition in the country.

This initiative forms part of World Vision’s broader commitment to child well-being under the #WeAreWorldVision and #WeArePartners banners, working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to build a healthier, nourished generation in Eswatini.