By Phiwa Sikhondze
Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation has renewed its commitment to the global fight against HIV/AIDS, endorsing the 2024 World AIDS Day theme, “Nkwe! Eswatini, Take the Rights Path to End AIDS.”
The corporation has called for a rights-based approach to ensure Eswatini sustains its progress in combating HIV/AIDS and achieving the United Nations goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Delivering his remarks at the World AIDS Day commemoration, RES Managing Director, Nick Jackson, emphasized the critical role of human rights in combating the epidemic.
“UNAIDS has made it clear: the world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected,” he said, calling on leaders, policymakers, and communities to eliminate stigma and discrimination, which continue to hinder access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Jackson highlighted four key objectives aligned with the 2024 theme:
- Raising awareness of fundamental human rights.
- Advocating for equitable access to HIV services.
- Pushing for the enforcement of laws promoting healthcare access.
- Opposing laws and practices that discriminate against vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and marginalized communities.
With Eswatini surpassing the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by achieving a 94-97-96 score, the country’s progress remains a beacon of hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The MD, however, warned that sustaining these gains would require a holistic approach that integrates human rights into healthcare delivery.
RES Corporation has also integrated HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment into its broader employee wellness programmes. Jackson detailed various initiatives, including regular HIV testing, treatment adherence support, and mental health programs aimed at fostering resilience and productivity.
“Our employees’ emotional and psychological well-being is central to our mission,” he said, urging staff to make use of available resources. These include:
- Getting tested to know their HIV status.
- Adhering to HIV treatment.
- Maintaining healthy relationships and safe practices.
- Screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Seeking help for mental health concerns, including suicide prevention.
RES has empowered its wellness champions to lead prevention initiatives, including risk-reduction communication and the distribution of condoms and lubricants. These programs are designed to encourage responsible behavior while improving overall health outcomes.
“Promoting wellness is not just a corporate responsibility but a necessity for sustaining engagement, productivity, and psychological safety,” Jackson explained.
The commemoration also marked the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Jackson urged men to take active roles in addressing issues such as sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
“Men must lead conversations and commit to building a violence-free society. Together, we can foster a generation that respects and protects human rights,” he said.
Concluding his address, Jackson called on employees to take advantage of medical and wellness facilities to maintain high standards of health and well-being. He also encouraged open conversations about mental health and responsible financial and lifestyle decisions.
“As we light candles and wear red ribbons, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting human rights and ending AIDS. Nkwe! Together, we can conquer AIDS in Eswatini,” Jackson concluded.