Eswatini’s Ministry of Health partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to mark World Food Safety Day with a high-level seminar in Mbabane.
Held under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the event brought together health officials, academics, and students to explore the critical role of scientific research in safeguarding the nation’s food supply.
Central to the seminar were detailed presentations by students from UNESWA’s Faculty of Health Sciences, who shared research findings based on inspections conducted across various food outlets throughout the country.
Their investigations uncovered troubling lapses in hygiene and food handling, particularly in the informal food sector, where regulatory oversight remains limited.
The results underscore growing concerns about the risk of foodborne illnesses, which continue to be a significant public health issue in Eswatini.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, who attended the seminar, emphasized the urgent need for national food safety reforms, stating: “Food safety must be prioritised alongside food security.
Ensuring food hygiene is critical in preventing diarrhoeal and other food-related diseases.”
The seminar also served as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, researchers, and students, highlighting how scientific research can directly inform public health interventions.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with academic institutions and international partners to implement stronger safety standards and bolster inspection mechanisms.
The collaboration between UNESWA and WHO reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrated approaches in tackling health challenges.
As Eswatini grapples with balancing food availability and safety, this initiative signals a forward-looking strategy—rooted in science, driven by youth, and supported by international cooperation.
With food safety now firmly on the national agenda, Thursday’s seminar may prove to be a turning point in reshaping the way Eswatini protects its citizens from preventable, food-related illnesses.
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