HIV and AIDS are the greatest public health and socio-economic development challenges for Swaziland. The Government of Swaziland (GOS) has made significant progress in addressing the epidemic through the implementation of a series of strategic plans and frameworks. Despite its efforts, Swaziland remains one of the countries with a high HIV disease burden. The extended National Strategic Framework for HIV and AIDS was developed to shift the paradigm of the national response to a focus on results and to rethink the country’s investment for fighting HIV and AIDS. The epidemic continues to pose a major threat to the Swazi nation; its impact is felt by all sectors. An epidemiologic review indicates an increase in HIV prevalence among pregnant women, from 3.9% in 1992 to 41.1% in 2010. The 2010 antenatal sentinel surveillance survey showed that prevalence has stabilized between 41% and 42%, and that HIV prevalence is highest among people aged 30–34 years (53.8%) and lowest among those aged 15–19 years (20.4%).
The Swaziland National Antiretroviral Treatment Program (SNAP) was established in 2003 as a unit within the Ministry of Health (MoH). SNAP’s priority interventions are the delivery of highquality treatment, care, and support for all adults, adolescents, and children living with HIV and AIDS in the Kingdom of Swaziland through the provision of antiretroviral treatment (ART), prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) treatment, and related services.
HIV and AIDS commodities are vital for the successful implementation of ART and PMTCT programs. In collaboration with the Central Medical Stores (CMS) and partners, such as the Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) program funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), SNAP conducts annual HIV and AIDS commodity demand planning and budgeting and submits its financial requirements to the GOS.
