BY NONCEDO SHABANGU

MBABANE – A landmark bilateral seminar, held on September 19, 2025, strengthened the Kingdom of Eswatini’s capacity to combat the rising tide of non-communicable metabolic diseases (mNCDs). Titled “Metabolic Crossroads, Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Their Complications,” the event brought together health professionals from Taiwan and Eswatini at the Hilton to share vital strategies and data.

This seminar is a key component of the ongoing “Project for Strengthening Metabolic Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Systems,” a collaboration aimed at building a robust and proactive healthcare system.

The Current Health Landscape in Eswatini

Presentations at the seminar highlighted the urgent need for action, with Dr. Nongabisa Mkhabela, Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, revealing that the prevalence of major NCD risk factors in Eswatini is alarmingly high. According to the 2024 WHO STEPS survey, more than 90% of the population has at least one major risk factor for NCDs. This has led to a significant burden on the healthcare system, with one in three adults living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and one in four with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Dr. Mkhabela’s presentation also showed that the prevalence of high CVD risk has nearly doubled between 2014 and 2024, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

Collaborative Strategies for Prevention and Control

Experts from the Ministry of Health and the National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch led discussions on targeted screening and prevention methods. Dr. Mkhabela emphasized that all adults over 18 should be screened for hypertension and diabetes at least once a year. The seminar also addressed key modifiable risk factors, such as unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Specific presentations provided actionable guidance:

Gestational Diabetes: Dr. Kuang-Han Lee from Taiwan highlighted the importance of weight management before and during pregnancy to prevent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The presentation also recommended that women with a history of GDM undergo a 2 hour 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) 4 to 12 weeks after delivery.

Metabolic Disorders in People with HIV: The seminar addressed the unique challenges faced by people with HIV, noting that they have a 1.5 to 2 fold higher risk of CVD compared to the general population. The presentation by Kuo, Po-Hsien underscored the need to manage cardiometabolic comorbidities in these individuals.

The collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini demonstrates a shared commitment to building a healthier future for the kingdom by moving from a reactive to a proactive healthcare model. The insights shared at this seminar provide a clear path forward in the fight against metabolic chronic diseases