eSwatini
Overall goals
Decentralisation of MDR-TB care; decentralisation of diabetes/hypertension care; development and implementation of depression intervention for those with HIV and/or TB; general public health role
Key UK Colleagues and Partners
COMDIS research consortium (Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds)
International Partners
Good Shepherd Hospital, eSwatini,eSwatini Ministry of Health, COMDIS partners in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal.
Sustainable development goals
- SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
- SDG 5 - Gender equality
- SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities
- SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
Funding source
DFID
Project origin
I became aware of the DfID funded programme through previous colleagues, applied and was accepted for a year-long placement in eSwatini. The deanery allowed me to take a year out of programme.
Evidence of need
The country has the highest HIV rate in the world and high levels of extreme poverty, there is extensive evidence of need.
Project areas
Healthcare planning; project/programme management; guideline development; relationship development; workforce development etc.
Project activities
I spent a year in eSwatini managing the COMDIS programme including work on the projects mentioned above. Another StR has taken over the work there since.
Changes
More accessible and better quality healthcare; greater understanding of and provision for mental health issues.
Next steps
A potential project to be promoted to Public Health registrars; also as a model for other projects to use registrars as skilled workforce.
Challenges
Many challenges, happy to share lessons learned, though too much for a box on a form!
Mitigating challenges
Knowing others with expertise in the area would help – having people to bat ideas around with. Explicit support and encouragement from NHS organisations for their staff to engage with work taking place outwith the country would be helpful.
Project gains
- leadership
- teamwork
- awareness
- academic
- resilience