King Mswati III’s COVID-19 Treatment and Eswatini’s Access to Remdesivir
In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, King Mswati III of Eswatini contracted the virus. His recovery, facilitated by the antiviral drug Remdesivir, sparked questions about how Eswatini secured access to the medication during a time of global shortages. This article examines the circumstances surrounding the King’s treatment and the role of local pharmaceutical company Swazipharm/Avapharm in procuring Remdesivir for the nation.
The Royal Emergency and Initial Remdesivir Supply
When King Mswati III tested positive for COVID-19, a single course of Remdesivir was urgently flown into Eswatini for his treatment. This initial supply was provided by the Taiwanese Mission to Eswatini. Remdesivir was, at the time, widely considered a promising “miracle treatment” for the virus, though its efficacy would later be subject to further scrutiny and varying results in clinical trials.
Securing Remdesivir for the Kingdom
Following the King’s treatment, demand for Remdesivir extended to other members of the Royal Family and senior government officials. The Taiwanese Mission subsequently ordered 300 full treatment sets of Remdesivir through Swazipharm/Avapharm. This procurement occurred amidst significant global supply chain disruptions and export restrictions.
As the pandemic worsened within Eswatini, Dr. Simon Zwane, then Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, requested Swazipharm/Avapharm to source a larger consignment of the drug. The company reportedly delivered 4,100 treatment sets, each containing 11 vials of Remdesivir, despite ongoing export bans and logistical challenges. The government of Eswatini did not settle the full payment for this consignment until over a year later, during which time Swazipharm/Avapharm bore the financial burden.
About King Mswati III and Eswatini
Mswati III (born Makhosetive Dlamini on April 19, 1968) is the Ngwenyama (King) of Eswatini and head of the Swazi royal family. He heads an absolute monarchy, possessing unrestricted political authority and immunity from prosecution. He ascended to the throne in 1986, following the death of his father, King Sobhuza II. King Mswati continues a legacy of leadership and cultural heritage within the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Remdesivir and COVID-19 Treatment
Remdesivir is an antiviral medication that was initially investigated as a potential treatment for Ebola and later repurposed for COVID-19. While it received Emergency Leverage Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020, its effectiveness has been debated. Some studies showed a modest benefit in reducing hospital stays, while others found limited or no significant impact on mortality rates.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a solidarity trial that led to a recommendation against the use of Remdesivir in COVID-19, citing a lack of evidence that it improved survival rates or reduced the need for mechanical ventilation.