By OSCAR CHUNG

The new Mbabane Government Hospital complex in the capital of Eswatini is built with support from Taiwan’s government. (Oscar Chung)

Taiwan shares its medical expertise with Eswatini.

Over the past three years, Dr. Liu I-wen (劉逸文) has felt more essential than ever as a medical professional. In 2021 the physician took a leave of absence from Taipei Medical University Hospital (TMUH) and flew to Eswatini. She has since become part of Taiwan Medical Mission (TMM), which works out of Mbabane Government Hospital (MGH) in the capital of the southern African country. Liu was the kingdom’s sole neurologist for more than two and half years until a second joined her at MGH last year.

Liu I-wen, one of five doctors on the Taiwan Medical Mission team in Eswatini, works at MGH as a neurologist. (Oscar Chung)

“There’s high demand for specialized medical care,” Liu said, explaining her decision to work in Eswatini long-term. The doctor noted that epilepsy is one of the most common conditions in the country due to high rates of parasitic brain infections and HIV. Dementia is also on the rise as the percentage of the population over age 65 grows.

Established in 2009, TMM is central to medical exchanges between Taiwan and its African ally. The mission, funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and staffed by TMUH, currently includes five doctors, each of whom has worked in Eswatini for at least one year, while other doctors from Taiwan contribute during monthlong visits. “Medical professionals in Eswatini must often deal with conditions beyond their expertise. TMM does its best to fill the gaps and offer services that Eswatini currently lacks,” said TMM head Cheng Wen-hsuan (鄭文炫), one of three urologists in the country.

TMM head Cheng Wen-hsuan teaches ultrasound procedures and analysis. (Courtesy of Taiwan Medical Mission)

Besides clinical services at MGH, the mission makes trips to remote communities once or twice per month to provide medical services and educate on health and hygiene. Student volunteers from Taipei Medical University have also helped out at MGH and taught basic health and sanitation in rural areas since 2014. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, TMUH sent medical professionals to transform eastern Eswatini’s Lubombo Referral Hospital into a dedicated treatment center. One team member, an expert in infectious diseases, returned to Eswatini to join TMM last year.

To enhance public health in diplomatic allies, in 2013 the MOFA launched a scholarship for a bachelor’s degree at I-Shou University’s School of Medicine for International Students in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City. “It was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Lindinkosi Zulu, one of nearly 90 I-Shou graduates from Eswatini. “The program makes a world of difference to people like me who want to become doctors but can’t afford to study abroad.” With no domestic medical education available, Eswatini has sent more students to I-Shou than any of Taiwan’s other allies.

Lindinkosi Zulu, a graduate of Taiwan’s I-Shou University, works with TMM to provide medical services in remote areas. (Courtesy of the Embassy of ROC Taiwan in the Kingdom of Eswatini / Courtesy of TMM)

On returning home, trainees must intern for two years. Most complete that period at MGH before taking the national licensing examination, which TMM helped establish in 2019. Previously, foreign-trained doctors could exchange overseas licenses for a local one, but now all must pass the exam. For established health practitioners, TMM offers career development opportunities in high demand areas including ultrasound procedures and analysis. Each year the mission selects two health workers from Eswatini to receive additional training from TMUH.

The MGH Referral and Emergency Complex, officially opened in October 2021, has optimized local health care and the mission’s services. With construction and equipment financed by Taiwan’s government and designed by Taipei City-based CECI Engineering Consultancy Inc., the complex is a milestone in the development of the country’s medical sector.

Prospective doctors from Eswatini intern at MGH after graduating from I-Shou University. (Courtesy of TMM)

“The new building allows us to provide patients with streamlined care, as different units like the pharmacy and X-ray room are much closer than before,” said MGH head Thandolwakhe Tembe. The improved layout has resulted in better health outcomes, too. Departments, such as pediatrics, that cater to vulnerable populations are now more isolated from other areas to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases.

MGH’s new complex is designed to enhance health outcomes. (Oscar Chung)

As a force for good, Taiwan is deeply committed to addressing challenges ranging from doctor shortages to inadequate medical infrastructure. “Taiwan has been instrumental in raising the level of Eswatini’s medical services across the board,” Cheng said. “Throughout the process, Taiwan’s bond with Eswatini and its people has steadily grown, promising an ever brighter future for the countries’ relations and TMM’s mission to ensure health for every Liswati.”

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