SOUTHERN AFRICA COMMITS TO STRONGER HEALTH SYSTEMS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Southern African leaders unite to drive bold regional agenda on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness.

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The 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee
The 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee


Southern African leaders have renewed their commitment to regional health sovereignty and resilience following a two-day high-level meeting of Health Ministers and senior officials from ten African Union (AU) Member States.

The 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting, held from July 24 to 25 in Lilongwe, Malawi, brought together policymakers under the theme “One Region, One Health, One Future.” The gathering focused on strengthening regional health systems, financing, and climate-related preparedness in the face of persistent outbreaks and growing health security threats.

Speaking at the official opening on behalf of Vice President Dr. Michael Biswick Usi, Malawi’s Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, emphasised the urgency of regional unity in safeguarding public health.

ReSCO, a key platform for aligning Southern Africa’s health priorities, has grown in significance amid the continent’s ongoing efforts to achieve universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness.

In his keynote address, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called for a bold shift in strategy.

“Africa’s health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,” he said. “We must ignite a revolution in health financing, one that invests in local manufacturing, strengthens institutions, and ensures sustainability.”

Throughout the meeting, ministers echoed the call for stronger regional collaboration. Namibia’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, urged member states to “act with resolve” to address shared challenges. Her sentiments were reinforced by Zambia’s Minister of Health and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, who described the summit theme as a strategic call to action.

The meeting concluded with several major resolutions. Hon. Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora was appointed Regional Champion for Climate and Health, while Dr. Luvindao was named Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing. These appointments reflect the region’s recognition of the urgent links between environment, funding, and health outcomes.

The Committee also adopted the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and key recommendations from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary meetings of the Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC), including guidance on implementing the Continental Immunisation Strategy and improving community-based outbreak surveillance.

Member States further endorsed the Africa CDC’s “Green Book” vision, a strategic framework for transforming health financing and governance across the continent.

A major highlight was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, where outstanding public health leaders were honoured. Among the awardees were Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya; former Namibian Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula; former Zambian Health Minister Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo; and Dr. Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa Coordinating Centre.

The awards recognised not just leadership, but a shared commitment to advancing health systems that serve all Africans.

As the meeting concluded, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to broaden the AU’s 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, accelerate domestic investment in health, and build resilient frontline systems.

Namibia was announced as the host of the 5th Southern Africa ReSCO Meeting in 2026.

Africa CDC has urged governments and partners to maintain momentum and turn pledges into progress, stressing that true health sovereignty will only be achieved through collective leadership, bold investment, and action that leaves no community behind.

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