Swazi Observer

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WE’RE READY TO PROVIDE MEDS TO REFUGEES - MINISTER

By WONDERBOY DLAMINI | 2025-01-02

Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula has assured that the ministry is ready to provide medication and implement precautionary measures at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre.

During a visit to the centre on Tuesday to conduct an assessment after the number of asylum seekers increased to over 1 000, the minister said the high numbers could lead to an outbreak of diseases highlighting the need to act with urgency.

He said they were ready to handle such issues, with adequate medical supplies having arrived at the Central Medical Stores

Matsebula further said they had been informed that most of the asylum seekers were secondary movers as they were refugees in Mozambique after fleeing their various countries.

His visit to the centre, was to assess the situation to note what needed to urgently attended to.
“It is important that we move fast and be in control of the situation before we could have an outbreak of any disease which would then be difficult to handle,” said the minister.

He went on to explain that some of the asylum seekers were subjected to medical screening so that their needs would be identified.

During the minister’s visit, medication was delivered at the centre and he assured that more would be delivered according to the demand, highlighting that they were also working on increasing the number of medical personnel.

Matsebula further said they were also aware of the sanitation issues which needed urgent attention.

He said the centre needed additional toilets as they were working in collaboration with several other departments to increase the number of ablutions.

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