Eswatini (Swaziland)

*2021 est. unless specified otherwise (https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/)

Cabrini Ministries St Phillip’s Mission, Eswatini

The Cabrini Missionary Sisters have worked in Swaziland (now known as Eswatini) for over 40 years, after originally coming to the country at the request of King Sobhuza II in 1971. In the early 2000s, in response to the escalating HIV and TB crisis, all resources were shifted to address the urgent health concerns, as well as the emerging orphan crisis created by the massive loss of life. The transition was solidified with the founding of a new organization: Cabrini Ministries Eswatini.

Cabrini Outreach has been working in partnership with Cabrini Ministries Eswatini since 2002. They now remain a Catholic faith-based and community-based not-for-profit organization working in the Lubombo lowveld of Eswatini, and based at St. Phillip’s Mission. Delivery of services is primarily achieved through four integrated departments: health care, child care, education, and family services. Over a period of 5 years, 12,000 people had received HIV and/or TB services, and over 2,500 orphans and vulnerable children had been served.

Their Mission

To “restore life… kubuyisela imphilo”. To share the love of Jesus Christ by promoting the well-being of individuals and families through comprehensive integrated health care, child care, education and social services to the most poor and vulnerable. Their values are hope, mercy, passion, quality, justice and respect/empathy.

Services

• Family support – Children who are in the highest level of care are sponsored by Cabrini staff (staff can donate through Cabrini Outreach’s Workplace Giving Program)
• Childcare and education – St. Philip’s Mission provides care and support for orphaned and vulnerable children. The children are given education, food, shelter, healthcare, mentoring and support. An education scholarship program provides uniforms, school fees and books for children living in the community.
• Primary health – Healthcare is provided through onsite clinics and a health outreach program, through which the community has access to HIV, TB and cervical cancer testing, education, counselling and treatment.

Objectives

• Increase access to primary health care and clinical services for remote communities;
• Promote and provide access to TB/HIV prevention, treatment, care and support;
• Promote awareness of NCD services and ensure access to treatment;
• Ensure the provision of quality health care services targeting people living with disabilities;
• Ensure provision of health care outreach services to target communities and sites;
• Ensure provision of quality cervical cancer services targeting women.

How is Cabrini Outreach involved?

Through our relationship with St Phillip’s, Cabrini Outreach continues to contribute financially to the provision of comprehensive and integrated childcare, health, education and social services. This includes supporting the delivery of holistic health care to babies, children, youth, women, men, the elderly, people living with HIV, non-communicable diseases, disabilities and anyone in need of love, care and support. Our goal is to address the social determinants of health for remote communities relating to the condition in which people grow, live, work and age. The circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at a local, national and global level. Initially driven by the devastation of HIV-AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB), we ensure testing and adherence to treatment while upholding dignity and compassion. In 2021 we provided large quantities of reusable fabric face masks for the children, elderly and vulnerable HIV positive patients at St Phillip’s. Ultimately, Cabrini Outreach wants to play their part in helping Cabrini Ministries Eswatini meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Thanks to CO’s interest, investment and guidance, CME has been able to support over 19,000 people in the surrounding communities since June 2020 to stay safe and learn about the newest threat to our health, COVID-19.”

Find out more at: http://www.cabriniministries.org/