Mountaintop Clinic Serving Timber Workers Opens in Eswatini

In Swaziland by AHF

Situated on top of a green hill with rolling vistas and mountains in the distant horizon, the newly-opened clinic in Piggs Peak, Eswatini has one of the most picturesque views of all AHF clinics. The facility opened its doors on April 20.

AHF’s fourth clinic in Eswatini is the product of a partnership between the country’s Ministry of Health and a private lumber company, Peak Timbers. It was created specifically for the timber workers, their families and the surrounding communities. Prior to the clinic opening, access to sexual and reproductive health services in the area was limited due to the location and work schedule of the employees.

The clinic will act as the central point for outreach activities to the different timber farms and communities nearby. It offers a comprehensive menu of integrated services, including screening and treatment of HIV, TB, STDs and non-communicable diseases. Services in the clinic are provided free of charge.

“It is encouraging to see such private-public partnerships, where profit making organizations like Peak Timbers are concerned about the welfare of their workers and surrounding communities, and also make an effort to see that health services are available to them. This should be replicated by all private sector companies for the benefit of the people and communities,” said Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief.

In this partnership, Peak Timbers – through the Global Environmental Fund – provided the building facility and vehicle; the Ministry of Health provides the ARV drugs, laboratory services and overall mentorship; and AHF-Eswatini covers the operational costs.

View photos from the clinic opening in Piggs Peak below:

 

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